Latest news with #IonaFyfe
The Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Iona Fyfe slams Aberdeen councillors over arts venue funding
Singer and songwriter Iona Fyfe, who is from Huntly, a small town north-west of Aberdeen, told The Herald: 'It is really concerning that Aberdeen City Council has chosen not to support Aberdeen Arts Centre with funding from its contingency budgets. 'It seems that both local and national government is developing a habit to consistently overlook the excellent work that grassroots venues and organisations are carrying out.' Hundreds turned out in an attempt to secure the venue's future. (Image: Aberdeen Arts Centre) Independent councillor Marie Boulton lodged a motion at a meeting of Aberdeen City Council's Finance and Resources committee, asking the local authority to provide a £100,000 lifeline to the charity behind the centre. However, a rival amendment proposed by the SNP-Lib Dem ruling partnership denied use of the council's contingency budget to aid the floundering organisation. Cllr Boulton told The Herald: 'Castlegate Arts didn't receive funding at the budget in March due to not having three months funding in reserves and an application which Castlegate Arts accepted didn't demonstrate the amazing grassroots community arts programmes they provided. 'Anyone involved in the arts, particularly community arts, will know that they are always working with a very small amount of funds so to have three months reserves is often very difficult for them. 'Castlegate Arts has operated the Art Centre for over 25 years removing barriers for children, people with disabilities and older people, allowing access to the arts either as a performer, volunteer or as a member of the audience.' A previous application to the local authority, asking for £170,000 of an allocated £2.3m in UK Shared Prosperity Fund cash, was rejected in May. Aberdeen Arts Centre includes a 350 seat auditorium, a cafe bar, flexible performance and events space, and the Children's Theatre, a groundbreaking youth theatre dating back to the 1950s. More than 35 local groups use the space for performances. Aberdeen has faced a series of cuts to libraries in recent years. Fyfe has urged people to support the organisation's campaign to keep the centre open. She noted: 'Aberdeen Arts Centre is a mainstay in the scene of the North East and I'd urge folks to support it so that it remains a mainstay. Supporting the centre doesn't need to be a chunky donation, but attending events, or even sharing the campaign on social media. 'Things are difficult for everyone right now, but the pandemic proved to us the sheer value that the arts bring to our lives and wellbeing.' In a statement, an Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said the local authority was already paying for the organisation's rent, and added that Castlegate Arts had not complied with a COSLA code of guidance on public spending. They said: 'Aberdeen City Council is committed to the Arts and awarded £1.45million to cultural organisations across the city through the Cultural Investment Framework 2025/26. "Aberdeen City Council continues to lease Aberdeen Art Centre to Castlegate Arts Ltd with the City's Common Good Fund covering any rental payment. The spokesperson added: "Castlegate Arts Ltd continue to not comply with the 'Code of Guidance on Funding External Bodies and Following the Public Pound' published by the Accounts Commission and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), to which Aberdeen City Council adheres. 'As such, the Council is unable to provide financial assistance to organisations that do not meet these national legislation requirements. 'The Council through its External Funding Team continues to provide support to any organisation interested in accessing funding.' Read more: NHS board spent £269,000 in battle against rats, birds, insects, and rabbits 'A grim reality': Glasgow City Council spent £106m to house homeless last year First Minister John Swinney to meet with Donald Trump during Scottish holiday Castlegate Arts, which has run the 'grassroots' arts centre for the last 26 years, hit out at the council's decision to deny funding. Interim executive director Sharon Catchpole said: 'While we were congratulated in Council chambers today for our campaign remaining apolitical, it is clear that the elected administration is not listening. 'The ruling coalition's manifesto commits that they will 'invest in Aberdeen Arts Centre' – however today's decision suggests otherwise. She added: 'We are thankful to the councillors, officers, MSPs, policymakers and members of the community that did fight our corner and who stood up for grassroots arts and culture in Aberdeen. 'The community has raised an incredible £90,000 so far, and Castlegate Arts is actively exploring alternative funding solutions, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives to ensure Aberdeen Arts Centre can continue to serve the city.'
The Herald Scotland
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
March through Glasgow city centre to mark World Refugee Day
There, a free family-friendly music carnival will take place with speeches from campaigners and music acts from bands and musical artists including former Scots Singer of the Year Iona Fyfe. The demonstration calls for an end to the scapegoating of refugees and migrants, safe routes for those seeking asylum, an end to the deportations the Labour government is ramping up and to lift the ban that prevents asylum seekers from working. Read More: Supporters include former First Minister Humza Yousaf, comedian Frankie Boyle, the STUC and various trades unions, the Scottish Refugee Council and other leading refugee rights organisations, Stand Up to Racism and Love Music Hate Racism. Mohammad Asif, Afghan Human Rights Foundation director, said: 'Refugees are the direct result of injustice and illegal wars and illegal invasions. We are the victims of profound injustices. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, with the same hopes and ambitions. 'The far right are attempting to seize the 'grooming gangs' issue to stir up Islamophobia, racism and division and we need to come together to fight this cancer in our society.' Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, said: 'The Prime Ministers' recent anti-immigration rhetoric echoes the far right—blaming refugees and migrants for the consequences of political failure. 'Migrants are not the problem. They are our family members, our friends, neighbours, co-workers, carers, and part of the communities that keep this country going. 'This government could fix the housing crisis, fund public services, and support working people—but instead, it scapegoats the vulnerable and fans the flames of racism. We will stand united to resist this politics of fear and division.' Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer, said: 'With the rise of the far-right and Reform in the UK, fascist ideas once relegated to the gutter are treated as mainstream ideas, feted by the media. "We have no alternative but to fight back, to counter every hate-filled racist lie and to defend our communities. We have won before and will do so again, but I feel the stakes have never been higher.'
Glasgow Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Frankie Boyle backs demonstration in Glasgow this weekend
The comedian and the former first minister are among those supporting the Stand Up to Racism rally to mark World Refugee Day. Refugee rights organisations, the STUC trade union federation, eight national unions, the National Union of Students, anti-war activists and advocacy groups are gathering for a rally, followed by a march and then an event in the Old Fruitmarket on Saturday. (Image: SRC) READ NEXT: Thousands expected for march and rally to support refugees in Glasgow Among the speakers will be Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer. He said: 'With the rise of the far right and Reform in the UK, fascist ideas once relegated to the gutter are treated as mainstream ideas, feted by the media. 'We have no alternative but to fight back, to counter every hate-filled racist lie and to defend our communities. We have won before and will do so again, but I feel the stakes have never been higher.' Scottish singer Iona Fyfe will be performing at the Old Fruitmarket among other acts. The organisers say the demonstration calls for' an end to the scapegoating of refugees and migrants, safe routes for those seeking asylum, an end to the deportations the Labour government is ramping up and to lift the ban that prevents asylum seekers from working'. Mohammad Asif, Afghan Human Rights Foundation director, said: 'Refugees are the direct result of injustice and illegal wars and illegal invasions. 'We are the victims of profound injustices. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, with the same hopes and ambitions. 'The far right are attempting to seize the 'grooming gangs' issue to stir up Islamophobia, racism and division and we need to come together to fight this cancer in our society.' READ NEXT:Police complain Sheku Bayoh sign at Kelvingrove Museum is 'biased' Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, said: 'The Prime Ministers' recent anti-immigration rhetoric echoes the far right—blaming refugees and migrants for the consequences of political failure. 'Migrants are not the problem. They are our family members, our friends, neighbours, co-workers, carers, and part of the communities that keep this country going. 'This government could fix the housing crisis, fund public services, and support working people—but instead, it scapegoats the vulnerable and fans the flames of racism. We will stand united to resist this politics of fear and division.'
The National
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Anti-racism rally and music event set for Glasgow this weekend
Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) have organised an 'Aye Welcome Refugees' march through the city centre on Saturday, June 21, followed by the free We All Belong Carnival in the Old Fruitmarket. Attendees are expected to gather in Barrowland Park around 12pm before the march takes off, followed by a short rally ahead of the music event. Around 2000 people are set to join, with SUTR organising bus transport from Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen for those wishing to attend. Whilst Glasgow City Council have not announced any formal roadblocks, Police Scotland are expected to implement rolling closures throughout the day. Which roads will be affected? The final route has not been confirmed, but the following streets are set to be affected: Moir Street London Road Trongate Glassford Street Ingram Street South Frederick Street South George Square St. Vincent Place St. Vincent Street Renfield Street Union Street Argyle Street Queen Street Candleriggs Who is performing? The family-friendly carnival, organised by Love Music Hate Racism Glasgow, will kick off after the march concludes. A number of stalls and activities, like henna tattooing, face painting, balloon artistry and puppeteering. Several Scottish acts will perform, with the lineup featuring Iona Fyfe, Pilgrims Society, Mellow Party and Cabaret Against The Hate's Tom Harlow. Why now? Saturday's festivities have been organised to mark World Refugee Day, which falls on Friday June 20. In a statement posted to social media, SUTR said: "Our movement fights our government's involvement in the wars that create refugees. "We also stand in solidarity with refugees trying to rebuild their lives while being scapegoated and demonised by the very same politicians.' The focus of World Refugee Day 2025 is solidarity with refugees, with the UNHRC stressing the importance of honouring refugees 'not just with words but with actions'. Who has endorsed it? A number of trade unions and charity organisations have endorsed Saturday's events. RMT, Glasgow Trades Council and West Lothian Trades Council are among the unions who have voiced their support. Charities such as Refuweegee and Stop The War Scotland have also expressed support.
The National
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025 free festival line-up announced
A range of free events are set to take place over a four-day festival between July 19 and 22, as more than 50 vessels are expected to pull into Port Of Aberdeen's North Harbour from the UK, Europe, Oman, Uruguay and Peru. Events offered range from a variety of street food stalls, quayside bars and a STEM discovery zone amongst additional attractions throughout the city centre. (Image: Sail Training International) There will also be free live music offered across three different stages each day, with acts including Scots singer Iona Fyfe, jazz musician Nathan Somevi, and performances by Aberdeen talents AiiTee, Jackill and Chef. Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council's Tall Ships project manager, said: 'We know how much the people of Aberdeen love to party – we saw that during the Dons' Scottish Cup victory parade. 'We hope people will turn out in their thousands again to enjoy everything on offer at The Tall Ships Races and help turn the Granite City into Party City from morning to night.' READ MORE: Scottish Winter Fuel Payments to match UK's after U-turn, John Swinney says Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of Port of Aberdeen, said: 'The return of the Tall Ships Races to Aberdeen is a landmark moment for our city and Port of Aberdeen. With a packed programme of free events and activities for all ages, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. 'Accessibility is vital to this event, and an accessibility plan in in place for the event. This includes sensory spaces, BSL tours and changing place facilities. Extra blue badge parking and a shuttle bus running for blue badge holders from Pittodrie stadium up to every twenty minutes. Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: 'The unveiling of the full free programme reveals the true scale, breadth and sheer excitement of what The Tall Ships Races will bring to the Granite City. 'And with some 400,000 visits expected during the event, the economic impact of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen cannot be underestimated. This is going to be a party the people of Aberdeen will never forget.' This July will mark the first time in nearly three decades the Tall Ship Races are in Aberdeen. For more information on the free festival, click here.
