- Edinburgh North and Leith MP speaks out on tax matters
- Royal Highland Show 2016
- Walking Wedding Fair
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016
- Musselburgh Ladies Day is a sell-out!
Deidre Brock MP has backed a budget amendment to make multinational companies publish country-by-country information on their businesses – including profits made and taxes paid in each country where they operate.
Ms Brock, a member of the Public Accounts Committee, co-signed the amendment to the Finance Bill put forward by Labour’s Caroline Flint, being launched yesterday. She said: “I’m happy to support Caroline Flint’s amendment and work on a cross-party basis to build a fairer tax system.
“Greater transparency is a crucial step in tackling tax avoidance and evasion. It’s something the SNP supports, and something I called for after the Public Accounts committee grilled the Chief Executive of HMRC about the recent backroom deal with Google. How can people believe big businesses are paying what they are due, when the system is so shrouded in secrecy?
“If multinationals are made to publish information on their tax dealings in other countries, it will make the system fairer for UK based businesses. It would mean we know when companies are stashing their cash in tax havens, and we know when a ‘sweetheart deal’ is being done.
“It would also bring tax justice to developing companies, who potentially lose more revenue through tax dodging that they gain from overseas aid.
“The amendment would be relatively simple to enact – country by country reporting is already required by HMRC – but it would remove the cloak of confidentiality so we don’t rely on leaks to learn what’s really going on.
“I welcome the cross-party support for public country-by-country reporting, and call for the UK Government to take this important step towards a more open tax system.”
23 June 2016 is an auspicious date for a variety of reasons, one of which is that the Royal Highland Show 2016 will begin then and runs till Sunday 26 June 2016.
The 176th Royal Highland Show is one of Europe’s most impressive celebrations of farming, food and rural life, the Royal Highland Show – which last year attracted almost 190,000 visitors – showcases top quality livestock, food and drink and rural living at its most vibrant.
The Royal Bank of Scotland, partner since 1981, continues to support the Show and the agricultural industry in Scotland.
More details about tickets and what’s on here.
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Nestled beneath Edinburgh Castle, boutiques in the stunning picturesque streets of Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, are gearing up to host Edinburgh’s first Walking Wedding Fair,this weekend.
Over 20 businesses, who are involved in the Greater Grassmarket BID (Business Improvement District), will be taking part in this first of a kind unique, free wedding event including Walker Slater Men’s & Ladies stores, Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Fabhatrix, La Baratine, Godiva Boutique, Demijohn and Armstrongs Vintage Emporium.
Showcasing everything from the perfect location and ‘his and hers’ outfits to cakes and hats for the big day, visitors will have the chance to walk round the stores taking part, get some ideas and advice for their big day and enjoy some cake, fizz, special offers and enter a competition to win a wedding hamper, with proceeds going to the Grassmarket Community Project.
There will also be a chance to sample the impressive alternative wedding cheese cake at I.J Mellis Cheesemongers and visit The Red Door Gallery for locally designed bridal jewellery and ideas for wedding party presents.
The ultimate wedding location can also be viewed on Sunday, 12th June between 12noon and 5pm, as the Apex Grassmarket opens the doors of its stunning wedding suite, boasting the best Castle views in the city. Visitors will find an eclectic array of wedding ‘Pop -up Shops’ in the suite to give couples the chance to get even more inspiration and information on hosting their big day in the Old Town.
Paul Walker, Founder and Director of tailoring specialists, Walker Slater, said: “We are really excited about this first-time wedding event in one of the most beautiful settings in the City.
“It’s a great chance for people to check out the boutique and specialists stores taking part and get some ideas for their big day.”
Norrie Stewart, Greater Grassmarket Project manager, said: “Whether it’s expert advice you are looking for on vintage bridal gown by Rowan Joy at Godiva, tailor-made Harris suits at Walker Slater or bespoke hats at Fabhatrix – Greater Grassmarket has is all covered for this fantastic alternative Walking Wedding Fair, which is sure to be a huge success.”
The Fringe starts on 5 August – but you already have the chance to download the programme here and buy your tickets!
Fringe facts 2016
Comedy makes up 34% (compared to 34% last year)
Theatre makes up 27% (compared to 27% last year)
Music makes up 15% (compared to 14% last year)
Musicals and Opera makes up 4% (compared to 3% last year)
Children’s Shows make up 5% (compared to 5% last year)
Dance, Circus and Physical Theatre makes up 3% (compared to 4% last year)
Events make up 4% (compared to 4% last year)
Cabaret and Variety makes up 4% (compared to 4% last year)
Spoken Word makes up 3% (compared to 4% last year)
Exhibitions make up 1% (compared to 2% last year)
There are 643 free shows, 164 pay what you want shows, 1,731 premieres and 48 different countries represented.
What are you interested in?
Have a look at the programme here:
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One of Edinburgh’s biggest fashion and sporting events is set to be the social event of the season having sold out yet again, for more than eight years.
After selling out of general admission tickets in March, Musselburgh Racecourse’s annual Stobo Castle Ladies Day sold out more that two weeks in advance, promising to make this year’s meet one of the best yet.
The racecourse, now in its 200th anniversary year, will truly celebrate in style after collaborating with Edinburgh Fashion Week to offer attendees expert styling tips and see the fashion frenzy hit new heights.
The day, which features Musselburgh’s most valuable race, the £100,000 William Hill Scottish Sprint Cup, attracts top names from the world of racing, fashion and celebrity including TV personality Vernon Kay and newly appointed Miss UK.
And it doesn’t stop there as lucky racegoers will also be in with a chance to win a brand new £10,000 car thanks to local car dealership Belmont Wallyford.
Aisling Johnston, Marketing Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Stobo Castle Ladies Day always attracts a huge amount of interest and we’re delighted to have sold-out once again.
“We always get to see a fantastic array of outfits and I’m sure this year won’t be any different.
“Teaming up with Edinburgh Fashion Week has been a fantastic addition, and given us even more of an excuse than usual to play up to and flaunt our fashionable side.”
Already known for its style credentials, Stobo Castle Ladies Day sees all attendees dress to impress at Edinburgh’s foremost fashion extravaganza. Trendy racegoers will be able to show off their design creations and be in with a chance of being crowned ‘Queen of Style’.
The spread of luxury packages that have been on offer have enabled many attendees to add an extra element of class to their day from the Picnic Pavilion, giving racegoers a dedicated bar and reserved table, to Champers and Hampers, offering a luxury lunch hamper and plenty of bubbly.
With a packed race-card the day will be capped off by the after-racing party in the Stage Marquee.
Hosted by heart-throb Vernon Kay, the after party will offer all Ladies Day racegoers a chance to unwind after a day of spectacular racing drama and enjoy an exclusive DJ set filled with chart topping tunes.
Aisling added: “The after-party has always been a huge success and, as it’s open to all ticket-holders, we’re sure it will be full yet again with another fantastic attendance at the racecourse.”
Taking place on 11th June, Ladies Day typically sells out months in advance. Racegoers are encouraged to buy early to avoid disappointment and this year’s sales are an indication of why.
As part of the year-long celebration of the historic racecourse’s 200th anniversary, there will also be a special Bi-Centenary Celebration Raceday on Friday, July 8th.
For more information and to book tickets to other race-days please visit: www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
