PressReleases

Doune the Rabbit Hole 2026

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Doune the Rabbit Hole

Back Doune the Rabbit Hole has unveiled its full 2026 line up, with legendary indie favourites Ash confirmed as Saturday night headliners. The independent Scottish festival returns to Cardross Estate in Stirlingshire from 17–19 July, building on the momentum of its successful 2025 comeback.

Ash will be joined at the top of the bill by Huey Morgan, former Fun Lovin’ Criminals frontman and BBC Radio 6 Music DJ, and Alabama 3, best known for Woke Up This Morning, the iconic theme tune to The Sopranos, forming a headline trio that reflects the festival’s broad and eclectic bookings.

The wider line up includes The Amy Winehouse Band, EMF, Space, Utah Saints, Oh My God! It’s the Church, Skids, Rianne Downey, Dick & Dom with a special DJ appearance, Bombskare, Karen Dunbar and Rumac.

Doune the Rabbit Hole

A special highlight for 2026 is the addition of Scottish singer-songwriter Rianne Downey, whose rapidly growing reputation and powerful live performances have made her one of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.

Across five stages, attendees can expect a wide range of artists spanning indie, rock, ska, folk, punk, electronic and alternative music, alongside DJs and curated takeovers throughout the weekend.

Back Doune the Rabbit Hole remains firmly focused on creating a welcoming, family-friendly festival experience. The much-loved Wacky Warren returns for 2026, offering creative workshops, performances and activities for younger festivalgoers.

The festival is led by former musician and businessman Brian Harkin, who stepped in to revive the event in 2025 following its previous cancellation.

Speaking on the 2026 announcement, Harkin said:

“Independent events are not easy to pull off and I honestly could not believe the reaction to last year’s festival. The support from the audience and the local community was incredible and it reminded me exactly why festivals like this matter. We’re ready to take everything we learned into 2026 and build an even better weekend.”

Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will run from Friday to Sunday, July 17th, 18th and 19th 2026.

To learn more about Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, including ticket options, visit the website at www.backdounetherabbithole.co.uk.

14 Years on a Waiting List: The Human Face of Dundee’s Housing Emergency

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housing emergency

DUNDEE, Scotland — For Amy*, a mother of two and survivor of domestic abuse, the housing system wasn’t a safety net—it was a 14-year maze that left her family in limbo. Today, Shelter Scotland is using her story to demand that Dundee City Council stops ignoring the reality of a city-wide housing emergency.

Amy’s experience is not an isolated one. She is one of thousands caught in a crisis that has seen homeless applications in Dundee surge by 24% in the last year alone. More hauntingly, the latest figures show that 225 children in Dundee are currently waking up in temporary accommodation, often for months or years at a time.

A Housing System at Breaking Point

After 14 years on the Dundee council housing waiting list, Amy’s situation reached a breaking point in late 2024. Escaping domestic abuse, she sought help from the council, only to be met with a “financially crippling” series of hurdles.

“I was in floods of tears,” Amy said. “One of my children is autistic, and uprooting them so many times would have been upsetting. The area wasn’t safe… they don’t even leave the house. I was also told I’d have to pay rent for both my private let and temporary accommodation. I just couldn’t do that.”

It was only after contacting Shelter Scotland that Amy learned her housing rights in Scotland and was finally able to submit a homeless application in October 2025. “If I’d been given the right information from the start, we could have been moved earlier,” she said.

The Call for a Housing Emergency Declaration

In response to stories like Amy’s, Shelter Scotland has joined forces with local organizations to form the Dundee Housing Emergency Coalition. Together, they have launched the Housing Emergency Action Plan (HEAP)—a practical roadmap to fix the city’s broken housing system.

Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said: “Dundee is already living with the consequences of a housing emergency—whether politicians want to accept it or not. The cost of inaction is being paid by people already being pushed to the edge. The choice is simple: accept that Dundee is in a housing emergency and take the action needed to fix it, or continue to ignore the scale of the challenge.”

Link to report: Dundee Housing Emergency Action Plan

Dundee Rep Theatre 2026 Season

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dundee rep theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre today launches its 2026 season, a celebration of community, world premieres, new voices, classics, and fresh work that invites audiences to connect with the life of the building and far beyond. To introduce the season, we asked our community participants to make a special film at locations across Dundee, reflecting and solidifying the theatre’s place within the city and inviting audiences to join them in the year ahead.

The season takes flight with the much-anticipated brand-new musical production of The High Life, co-produced by Dundee Rep Theatre and National Theatre of Scotland in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres. After a thirty-year delay in the departure lounge, the full original cast of Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart reunites for a landmark world premiere directed by Dundee Rep Theatre Artistic Director Andrew Panton. Co-written by Johnny McKnight, Alan Cumming, and Forbes Mason, the production opens in Dundee from 27 March to 4 April before touring Scotland and returns to the Rep 6 to 9 May.

April sees the return of our Rep Stripped Festival, Dundee Rep Theatre’s platform for fresh work, new voices and bold ideas – this time under the creative direction of Fraser Scott. Built on the success of previous editions, which have included early stagings of No Love Songs and A History of Paper, the festival continues to celebrate creativity, innovation and the future of performance, offering audiences the chance to be the first to discover new work. Call-outs for submissions open in January 2026.

Willy Russell’s award-winning modern classic Educating Rita follows, in a funny, tender and life-affirming new production directed by award-winning director Debbie Hannan. This story of self-discovery, second chances and the power of learning brings together Rita, a spirited hairdresser hungry for change, and Frank, a disillusioned academic who has lost faith in his work and in himself. First performed in 1980 and later adapted into the acclaimed film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine, the piece has won multiple BAFTAs and received three Academy Award nominations. This fresh revival promises a heartfelt return to one of Britain’s most loved plays from 23 May to 13 June.

An exciting and original collaboration hits the stage next summer. Dundee Rep Theatre and Solar Bear, in collaboration with Aberdeen Performing Arts and the Traverse Theatre, present The Singer, written by Cora Bissett with Jamie Rea. With songs multi-award-winning KT Tunstall, featuring Deaf artist Jamie Rea and directed by Cora Bissett, The Singer is a thrilling new gig-theatre drama about Joe, a deaf artist who “sings” with his hands, and Andy, a washed-up musician hungry for a comeback. As their unlikely partnership ignites something extraordinary, ambition, betrayal and belonging collide in this powerful story of music, identity and the fight to be heard. The Singer previews at Dundee Rep Theatre in late July, premieres at the Traverse Theatre during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and plays the Citizens Theatre Studio in Glasgow and the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen before returning to Dundee in September. 
 

Tony Roper’s much-loved Scottish classic The Steamie then returns for a nationwide tour in a new production from Rerr Terr Productions in association with Neil Laidlaw Productions and Dundee Rep Theatre.  From 27 August to 12 September, audiences are invited into a 1950s Glasgow washhouse on Hogmanay where hot water, lively chat, laughter and secrets accompany the final wash of the year.

One of the most anticipated productions of 2026, A History of Paper, byOliver EmanuelandGareth Williams (creators of The 306 Trilogy, National Theatre of Scotland),returns in a major new production starring Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson. This musical about unbounding joy, impossible grief and the small pieces of paper that shape a life first captivated audiences at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, where it won a Fringe First, the Music Theatre Review Best Musical Award and the CATS Award for Best Director for Dundee Rep Artistic Director Andrew Panton. This new co-production with Pitlochry Festival Theatre brings back a work that moved audiences and critics alike. The production runs from 8 August to 12 September at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and from 16 to 19 September at Dundee Rep Theatre.

Following the success of The Glass Menagerie, Dundee Rep Theatre will once again collaborate with The Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, and Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, with full details of the Autumn 2026 production to be announced early next year.

The season comes to a glittering finale with a magical new production of Dundee Rep Theatre’s 2018 Christmas hit The Snow Queen, created by Noisemaker, the partnership of award-winning writing duo Claire McKenzie and Scott Gilmour (Oor Wullie, Ceilidh, Scots)and directed by Emily Oulton. This snow-stopping musical celebrating friendship, courage, and festive spirit is set to delight audiences of all ages from November 28 to December 30.

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre remain committed to making theatre and dance accessible to as many people as possible and are expanding our pricing to offer greater choice, flexibility and affordability in 2026. New initiatives include £15 tickets for every Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre production and £5 preview tickets for under 30s, designed to welcome and inspire the next generation of theatre-goers, and focusing on the future of the arts here in Dundee and Scotland. Alongside this, a new free ticket initiative will allocate tickets across the season to individuals and communities with limited access to the arts, ensuring they can experience live performance, feel at home in the building, allowing us to open our doors to even more people.

Scottish Dance Theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, and the full programme will be announced on 20 January.

Complementing Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre’s own work, the venue will present a vibrant programme of visiting companies throughout Spring 2026. These include ABBA Forever on 7 February, Macbeth from 19 to 21 February, BalletLORENT’s Snow White on 27 and 28 February and the musical satire SCOTS by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, directed by Jemima Levick,from 7 to 11 April. The Rep also welcomes What I am Here For on, an immersive multilingual collaboration from Vanishing Point and Teater Katapult, followed by family fun with There is a Monster in Your Show and many more.

This season also marks the arrival of Kath M Mainland CBE as Executive Director, bringing more than two decades of international cultural leadership to Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre. Mainland joins the organisation after senior roles at Adelaide Festival, RISING Melbourne, Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. Originally from Orkney, she returns to Scotland to help lead the organisation’s next chapter, marking an exciting moment for the organisation.

New Season at Dundee Rep Theatre

This new season is announced at a time when Dundee faces proposed cuts to arts funding, and Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre continue to demonstrate how essential its work is to the cultural, social and economic life of the city. The Rep provides opportunities for Dundonians of all ages to experience connection, learning and belonging as well as contributing significantly to the well-being of communities across Dundee and playing a key role in Dundee’s tourism and global cultural identity. As consultation begins, the organisation encourages residents to share their views and to champion the vital role that the Rep and other cultural organisations play in the life and future of their city.

Artistic Director Andrew Panton said, “We are proud to be a creative home for our community and a national stage for new voices, major productions and collaborations. Our 2026 season celebrates Dundee, Scotland and beyond and celebrates the people who shape our work. The Rep plays a central role in the cultural life of this city while contributing greatly to the wider Scottish and international cultural landscape, and this programme is a testament to that reach and responsibility. As Dundee enters consultation on proposed arts cuts, we are reminded of the importance of protecting the creativity, opportunity and connection that cultural organisations provide. I hope audiences across Dundee and Scotland will continue to stand with us, take part in the consultation and help ensure a vibrant future for the arts.” 

Image Credit Alastair More

Suicide touching lives of nearly one in three Scots

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Silence of Suicide

SOS Silence of Suicide launches free training to help save lives

Nearly one in three people surveyed (29%) in Scotland say they or a family member have been affected by suicide, according to a new survey by SOS Silence of Suicide. The charity says the numbers underline the urgent need for everyday suicide prevention skills in communities across the nation.

Respondents were asked whether they or a family member had been impacted by suicide. Across the UK, Scotland reports the lowest impact of the four nations at 29% and Northern Ireland reports the highest with 39%. This compares with 33% in Wales and 30% in England.

The results also revealed a generational divide, with young adults particularly vulnerable. UK-wide findings show almost half (46%) of 18–24-year-olds surveyed said suicide has touched their lives, double the rate of those aged 55 and over (23%).
To tackle this silent crisis head-on, SOS is today urging people across Scotland to take its new free mental health training course – OPEN Conversations – designed to give everyone the tools to help prevent suicide.

This training is only one part of the charity’s mission. With suicide rates still rising despite years of support and campaigning, SOS says prevention must begin in the everyday moments where someone might first show they’re struggling. By encouraging people to recognise that we all share responsibility for looking out for one another, the charity wants to ensure help reaches people long before they reach a crisis point.

OPEN Conversations teaches individuals to notice the signs someone may be struggling, to respond with confidence rather than fear, and to provide vital support. And crucially, no prior expertise is required.

Lorna Hackett, Trustee at SOS Silence of Suicide, commented:

“These figures are heart breaking. It shows us that for too many people across Scotland, suicide is not a distant tragedy but a devastating reality. Too many lives are being lost too soon.

“SOS has been fighting the silence and stigma of speaking about suicide for 10 years, and we are now saying clearly that suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We must rethink how we respond. We want to change the narrative so that checking in, caring and noticing the signs become everyday actions, not specialist skills.”

Lorna continued:

“You don’t need to be a mental health professional to save a life. Sometimes, all it takes is being willing to have an uncomfortable conversation, to ask the difficult questions and to listen without judgement. OPEN Conversations enables people to do exactly that.

“This course can be completed in a lunch break – it only takes up to one hour – and will give you the confidence that could interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and change their trajectory forever. The silence is quite literally killing us; conversation is the medicine.”

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, SOS has spent a decade challenging stigma and supporting those in crisis. Its new training offers practical guidance for friends, colleagues, neighbours and family members. The OPEN Conversations course is free and available to complete now via SOS’s website: https://silenceofsuicidesos.org.uk/courses/free-mental-health-training/.

The survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of SOS Silence of Suicide in October 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 3,000 UK adults.

Image supplied by https://silenceofsuicidesos.org.uk/ 

Drainage Investment for Lochee High Street

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Lochee High Street

A tender for a major water and drainage system in Lochee High Street which will help in the future development of social housing in the area is set to be considered by councillors. 

A report outlines that £645,000 has been awarded towards the costs from the Scottish Government Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme. 

A new Raingarden for Lochee High Street

A new underground surface water conveyance system would be constructed in  Lochee High Street, alongside a new raingarden in vacant land between Aimer Square and Bank Street.  

This would contribute towards increasing flood resilience in the Lochee and downstream area, allowing derelict sites at Bright Street Church and St Ann Lane to be redeveloped for housing. The raingarden will also provide a new community space which would also help increase biodiversity. 

Councillors are being recommended to approve a tender from Tayside Contracts for the contract, which is worth a total of £830,000. 

Depute convener of City Growth and Infrastructure Cllr Siobhan Tolland, said:  “I welcome funding from the Scottish Government which will help us to invest in the future of Lochee. 

“This will assist in transforming currently derelict sites making them viable for the development of much needed social housing in the area.” 

“The Placemaking Lochee project, which is being taken forward with Scottish Water, will provide drainage solutions at locations on Lochee High Street, Bank Street and the former Bright Street church.     

“It will allow us to take forward positive projects for the area and its people.”  

The City Growth and Infrastructure Committee meets on Monday November 17. 

https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/news/article?article_ref=5005

Scottish Contemporary Dance Takes Centre Stage in Lublin (Festival 2025)

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Scottish Dance Theatre

Scottish Contemporary Dance Took Centre Stage this November at the Lublin International Dance Theatres Festival in Poland, with a major programme of performances by Scottish artists and companies as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025.

Running from 8–12 November, the 29th edition of the festival shines a spotlight on Scottish dance. Developed in partnership with The Work Room and Scottish Dance Theatre, the programme brings together leading voices from Scotland’s dance scene in a celebration of creative exchange, artistic diversity and international collaboration.

Scottish Dance Theatre opened the programme with an electrifying double bill, The Flock and Moving Cloud. Scotland’s flagship contemporary dance company brings a night of movement, music and pure adrenaline to the Opera Hall in Lublin. The Flock takes audiences on an acrobatic journey inspired by the epic migration of birds, a powerful metaphor for endurance, freedom and collective strength. In Moving Cloud, contemporary dance meets traditional Celtic music creating a rhythmic meeting of styles that celebrates connection and collaboration. 

In partnership with The Work Room, independent artists bring distinctive and powerful perspectives on identity, belonging and transformation. Akanana Sweet Banana, sees Dorine Mwesiga move between improvisation and structure, drawing on her personal experience to explore influences that shape us. Mele Broomes’ Through Warm Temperatures is a sensual, immersive work that celebrates resilience and self-acceptance through movement and music, performed live with cellist Simone Seales.

Mark Bleakley’s Dance Makes the Floor, transforms the act of dancing into a sonic experience, where the floor itself becomes an instrument and the energy of the performers is what generates the sound. The work features a collaboration with Mwesiga and dancers from Lublin, creating a new dialogue between artists from both countries. 

The Scottish strand concludes with Solène Weinachter’s After All, an intimate, moving reflection on mortality, grief and renewal that combines dance, storytelling and humour to create a space for collective contemplation and celebration.

Beyond the stage, Dorine Mwesiga, Mele Broomes and Scottish Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Joan Clevillé, will lead workshops and discussions with dancers and students in Lublin. These endeavour to deepen connections between the Scottish and Polish dance communities, further building on the shared commitment to collaboration that underpins the project.

The inclusion of Scottish artists in the festival stems from Festival Director Ryszard Kalinowski’s participation in Momentum 2023, the Edinburgh Festivals’ international delegate programme, jointly delivered by Festivals Edinburgh, British Council and Creative Scotland held in Edinburgh that connects global cultural leaders with Scotland’s creative community. Those conversations have since evolved into real artistic partnerships, reflected in the strength and diversity of this year’s programme under the theme “RE:UNION”.

Joan Clevillé, Scottish Dance Theatre Artistic Director, says:

“It’s a privilege to be part of this sharing of Scotland’s vibrant dance community on an international stage. The festival’s theme of RE:UNION resonates deeply with the way we work – through collaboration, exchange and a belief in the power of dance to bring people together. We are grateful to our partners in Lublin for offering a platform to Scottish dance artists to be in dialogue with audiences and artists in Poland.” 

Anita Clark, The Work Room Director, says:

“From meeting Ryszard as part of Momentum in 2023, I was stuck by his curiosity and enthusiasm for dance in Scotland. It has been brilliant to deepen our connection through collaborating together on this programme for the 29th edition of Lublin International Dance Theatre Festival. At a time of significant divisions in the world, this festival opens a space where dance connects across borders. The Work Room is excited to bring the energy, originality and resilience of Scotland’s dance artists to Lublin.” 

The Dance from Scotland programme at the Lublin International Dance Theatres Festival is presented by The Work Room and Scottish Dance Theatre in partnership with the British Council and Creative Scotland, as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025.

photo_ Tiu Makkonen _ Dancer_(L-R) Luigi Nardone, Alethia Antonia, Massimo Monticelli.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

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Scottish Ensemble

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026. Exploring the power of music to lift the spirit, bring people together and enhance wellbeing, Scottish Ensemble takes audiences on a bold adventure with new projects and collaborations and the return of the ever-popular Concerts for a Summer’s Night.

This March, a quartet of Scottish Ensemble musicians tour intimate spaces across Scotland with Between Light and Shadow (8-14 March, St Andrews, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dumfries, Perth) in performances of emotional contrasts, bold imagination, and luminous soundscapes. Mozart’s radiant Spring Quartet, brimming with optimism and glowing with warmth, is heard alongside two of Caroline Shaw’s Essays that shimmer with sonic texture and emotional nuance. The second part of the programme plunges us into the brooding and introspective music of Beethoven. From stormy drama to moments of sublime beauty, this quartet is Beethoven at his most emotionally raw and visceral.

Scottish Ensemble’s much-loved Concerts for a Summer’s Night return in 2026 (16-20 June, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow), filling five beautiful light-filled spaces across Scotland with music perfect for long, sun-drenched evenings. From Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence to Prokofiev’s Visions Fugitives, with vibrant works by Bryce Dessner and Oliver Leith along the way, it’s a heady, colourful programme that will leave audiences inspired, and ready to savour every note of summer.

Further afield Scottish Ensemble performs Impulse: Music in Motion at the University of Oxford’s brand-new Schwarzman Centre, during its opening weekend. Playing from memory, the musicians are unleashed through choreographed movement, devised in collaboration with choreographer Örjan Andersson. Impulse will also tour to Norfolk and Germany later in 2026.

Music for Wellbeing continues to be a focus of Scottish Ensemble’s work. Workshops combine live music with guided listening and techniques to help people find a moment of calm, combat stress and anxiety, and lift their mood.  Since 2017, Scottish Ensemble has developed its Music for Wellbeing programme in partnership with Maggie’s, a charity that supports people whose lives have been affected by cancer, including patients, families and medical professionals. Musicians visit Maggie’s centres offering live music experiences designed to nurture connection and mental wellbeing.

Speaking about a recent Scottish Ensemble visit Lorrie Cameron, Centre Head at Maggie’s Lanarkshire, said:

“What an experience!  Taking time to just be immersed in the music was like nothing else. I could feel the vibrations and really experience the sounds in a way I’ve never done before. Watching the musicians play was like watching a dance. Just pure joy!”

Scottish Ensemble and Maggie’s enter a new phase of their collaboration with the announcement that Scottish Ensemble will be Maggie’s Music for Wellbeing Partner. This enhanced commitment will see Scottish Ensemble musicians visit all eight Maggie’s centres in Scotland three times a year, doubling current provision and ensuring that people in the Highlands and Aberdeen can access the same uplifting experiences as those in Edinburgh or Dundee.

Scottish Ensemble’s Chief Executive, James Hardie said:

“At Scottish Ensemble we’re fiercely passionate about the power of music to lift the spirit, bring people together, and enhance wellbeing. Our Music for Wellbeing programme is a vital part of our work serving communities across Scotland, and for many years now Maggie’s has been a hugely valued partner. It feels incredibly exciting to be entering a new phase of our collaboration on the eve of Maggie’s 30th anniversary, and to continue sharing the unique magic that music can bring with even more people across Scotland.”

Maggie’s Induction and Development Lead, Andrew Anderson said:

“Maggie’s is delighted to be working with the incredible Scottish Ensemble as Music for Wellbeing partner. Visitors to all of our Scottish centres are able to benefit from this brilliant programme. The musicians along with Maggie’s teams create such a wonderful experience of mindfulness with music. People taking part really value these inspiring sessions.”

Scottish Ensemble’s Music for Wellbeing programme is made possible with the generous support of funders, including Glasgow City Council Communities Fund, The Northwood Charitable Trust, The Gannochy Trust, The McGlashan Charitable Trust and The Bridge Awards.

For full details of performances during spring and summer 20226 visit https://scottishensemble.co.uk/whats–on/

Eden Project invites local community to join enriching harvest event

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Eden Project

The Eden Project team are inviting the people of Stobswell and the surrounding areas to come together for a day of fun activities showcasing the community’s strength of spirit, creativity and commitment to environmental care.

Taking place on Saturday September 27, the Stobbie Jammin’ Community Harvest will rejoice in the rich harvest season whilst sharing insights about the diverse food options available in the local neighbourhood and their nutritional benefits.

Eden Project

The event is the latest example of the charity’s ongoing community engagement work in Dundee as preparations continue for Eden Project Scotland – a transformative project for Dundee, drawing on the city’s rich history, connecting people with nature and playing an important role in the regeneration of the waterfront.

In addition to food, the day will also offer opportunities to take part in nature-inspired arts and crafts, such as wood carving and willow weaving, as well as engaging storytelling for families.

The event will begin at Boomerang Community Centre where, in collaboration with Dundee-based charity Uppertunity, participants will be guided to prepare produce donated by local community gardens into a nutritious soup and salads, with advice on nutrition and food waste offered along the way. Local volunteers will also be making jam and pickles, which will be for sale for a small donation.

In the afternoon, the event will move to Baxter Park for an array of family-friendly activities. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to get hands-on with some apple pressing, Sheila Kinninmonth will be telling interactive stories and How if Felt will be providing crafting fun.

Caishlan Sweeney, Eden Project Scotland’s Project Engagement Manager, said: “We are excited to deliver this project in Stobswell, working with some of our key partners and supported by funds from Dundee City Council’s Common Good Fund.

“It’s not just the activities on the day that will be fun and engaging; it’s the opportunity to encourage nature connection and to provide access to a free food resource within the community, whilst also leaving a lasting legacy to nature and the community by mapping and planting more public fruit trees.”

The event will be delivered with support from the Stobswell Forum, Dundee City Council, the RSPB and the University of Dundee’s Regnr8-I PhD programme.

Eden Project Scotland will combine exhibits, performance, learning, play, immersive experiences, world-class horticulture, live music, art, and food, beverage and retail spaces, all integrated as essential parts of the overall experience.

Planning permission for the project was approved last year and the Eden team are currently heading towards stage four of the design stage, moving from a concept to a more detailed design.

The Eden Project is working in partnership with Dundee City Council, The Northwood Charitable Trust and the University of Dundee.

To find out more about the event and to get involved visit https://stobswell.org.uk/

Target Ovarian Cancer – 5 facts that could save your life

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Caitlin-pictured-with-her-mum-Carol

Target Ovarian Cancer is determined to dispel common myths about ovarian cancer as a continued lack of awareness could have serious implications for women’s health.
With four in ten wrongly believing cervical screening could detect the sixth biggest cancer killer in women,  these misleading myths must be dispelled to save more lives says charity

According to the charity, four in ten women commonly believe that cervical screening can detect ovarian cancer which it does not. And the symptoms of ovarian cancer – persistent bloating, abdominal pain, needing to wee more often and feeling full quickly – continue to be put down to other conditions such as the menopause or IBS.

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths amongst women in the UK, and more needs to be done to ensure women are diagnosed early to save lives. Awareness and understanding of the symptoms is imperative to this. Helen Dickens, Deputy Chief Executive at Target Ovarian Cancer, said:

“Although progress has been made over the years, we need to see it accelerated. A woman diagnosed at the earliest possible opportunity has a better chance of surviving this devastating disease. March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and we want to empower women to get help quickly if they’re concerned.

“It starts with knowing the main symptoms – persistent bloating, abdominal pain, needing to wee more often and feeling full quickly. Knowing what’s normal for you. And knowing the facts about ovarian cancer.”

Research by Target Ovarian Cancer shows awareness of the disease remains concerningly low, and misconceptions prevail. This can lead to a delayed diagnosis of ovarian cancer, when the disease is harder to treat.

To dispel the myths, Dr Sharon Tate, Head of Primary Care Engagement at Target Ovarian Cancer, added:

“We need to be clear that ovarian cancer can be caught early, if the knowledge is there. Five things every woman needs to know are:

  1. The disease is not silent – there are key symptoms which are both persistent and occur frequently from the offset which may indicate you have ovarian cancer. These are: bloating, abdominal pain, needing to wee more often and feeling full quickly.
  2. Cervical screening does not detect ovarian cancer – go for your cervical screening when invited, but also be aware that this does not detect ovarian cancer. Get to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and if concerned, see your GP.
  3. Ovarian cancer doesn’t discriminate – you can have ovarian cancer at any age but post-menopausal women and those over 50 are at a higher risk. 
  4. You can get ovarian cancer even if you’ve had a hysterectomy – you may still have your ovaries, despite having a hysterectomy. If you ever had or have ovaries and experience the above symptoms, see your GP.
  5. A family history of cancer, on either side, is important – A common misconception is that hereditary ovarian cancer is only passed down the maternal line, this is not the case. You could be at high risk if you have two or more cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family history.”

22 year old Caitlin McKean, from South Lanarkshire, knows more than anyone how knowledge is power. In 2022, at just 43 years old, her mum, Carol Watson, died from stage 4 ovarian cancer. In her memory, Cailtin and her family have committed to raising awareness of the symptoms, in the hope that more lives are saved. Caitlin said:  

“I don’t think any of us knew the symptoms of ovarian cancer, including mum. If we’d known the symptoms, and that ovarian cancer isn’t diagnosed through the cervical smear test, then maybe we would’ve had mum for longer than five years after she was diagnosed.” 

Target Ovarian Cancer is calling for national symptoms awareness campaigns, increased education of the disease and support for GPs, and improved access to treatment and support. You can find out more about the charity’s work, and how to support it, at: www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the charity is determined to dispel common misconceptions of ovarian cancer. Join Target Ovarian Cancer in raising awareness by downloading the charity’s toolkit:  https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/get-involved/raise-awareness

Learn to Swim partnership goes from length to length

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Learn to swim

A VITAL national swimming framework has celebrated its fifth year, creating the next generation of safe swimmers with over 76,000 children from across the country taking part in weekly lessons.

The National Learn to Swim Framework – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – has gone from strength to strength since its formation, with programmes back to 88% capacity following pandemic restrictions.

Swim superstars, Olympic medallist Duncan Scott and Paralympic medallist Toni Shaw renewed their ambassadorships of the Framework which is delivered across Scotland by 38 Leisure Trusts and Aquatic Providers in more than 160 pools.

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming said: “Seeing the Learn to Swim Framework reach more children across Scotland is incredible. We’re very lucky in Scotland to have so many excellent local authorities, leisure trusts and aquatic providers working towards the common goal of teaching this vital life skill across the country.

“Through the Framework, we are creating a generation of happy, healthy and active young people and we are delighted that each year more children across the country are getting the opportunity to get into the pool.”

Research into the cognitive benefits of young people who take swimming lessons has shown that they achieve a range of developmental milestones much earlier than those who don’t, regardless of their gender or background.

Children who are members of a swimming club and who compete regularly, develop core competencies – such as target-setting, teamwork and leadership attributes – which can help them greatly in their future careers and lives.

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said: “We are delighted that the Learn to Swim programme has bounced back so strongly after the pandemic and continues to go from strength to strength.

“Being able to swim is an essential life skill and the programme gives children the skills and confidence they need to enjoy swimming safely.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence, and our aim is to work with Scottish Swimming and all the local authorities, leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create ‘Generation Swim’, a generation of safe and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.”

Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out.

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit https://learntoswim.scot/

About Scottish Swimming 

Scottish Swimming is the national governing body for swimming and aquatics in Scotland. Scottish Swimming represents our clubs, swim schools, aquatic disciplines, athletes, teachers and thousands of talented and committed volunteers across the entire swimmer pathway. We are focused on delivering in the following key areas to reach our vision to ensure that everyone can swim: More Swimmers; Stronger Clubs; Supporting Athletes; Active Communities Further info at www.scottishswimming.com  

About Scottish Water

Scottish Water provides vital water and waste water services, essential to daily life, to over 2.6 million households and more than 159,000 business premises across Scotland. At the heart of our business is everyone who lives and works in communities across Scotland. Every day we deliver 1.51 billion litres of clear, fresh drinking water – enough to fill around 604 Olympic swimming pools. We also take away and treat 1.07 billion litres of waste water and help protect the environment across Scotland – every day of the year. More at www.scottishwater.co.uk