Day: February 25, 2018

Minimum Unit Price awareness campaign kicks off

Owners of the 5,300 convenience stores across Scotland will be the focus of a new awareness-raising campaign on the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol. This is the first stage in a large-scale campaign to ensure retailers and customers are ready for the implementation of the new legislation on 1st May.

It comes as the Scottish Government is set to recommend a minimum unit price to the Scottish Parliament.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “Minimum unit pricing will tackle the scourge of cheap, high-strength drink that causes so much damage to so many families and is going to save the lives of thousands of Scots.

“Retailers are the key to ensuring the legislation is implemented, which is why it is crucial we raise awareness of this change in the law early and give people time to get prepared.

“These materials will allow shop-owners to access a valuable bank of information to educate themselves and their staff ahead of the change on 1 May.

“Our consultation on the price of a unit of alcohol recently closed, and I am looking forward to presenting our recommendation to the Scottish Parliament next week.”

Posters, leaflets and adverts in trade magazines will be distributed from next week highlighting the changes to alcohol licences from 1 May.

Online resources will be available shortly after to provide guidance for retailers on issues like calculating the minimum unit price of a product, enforcement, and money-off vouchers.

PTSD also takes its toll on families: public event at Napier University

A PUBLIC event will explore the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on the families of members of the armed forces. Edinburgh Napier University has assembled an expert panel including a former Commando, an actress, a journalist and an academic researcher to assess whether enough is being done to support the loved ones of those living with the condition. Continue reading PTSD also takes its toll on families: public event at Napier University

Scottish Affairs Committee to investigate delivery charges

The Scottish Affairs Committee is to hold a one off session to investigate delivery charges for online purchases. Tuesday’s session will feature major online retailers, delivery companies and organisations that have looked into delivery charges,  including Ofcom and Citizens Advice Scotland.  Continue reading Scottish Affairs Committee to investigate delivery charges

Funding to support National Youth Volunteering Design Team

Young people will help create a 10 year plan for volunteering in Scotland

 As part of the Year of Young People, Communities Secretary Angela Constance has confirmed investment of up to £172,380 to develop a National Youth Volunteering Design Team in partnership with ProjectScotland and Young Scot.

Up to 25 young volunteers from a variety of backgrounds across Scotland will lead work to develop recommendations to help the Scottish Government ensure that by 2028, more people volunteer than do not.

Making the announcement at the Gathering 2018, Ms Constance said: “Volunteering is such a rewarding experience both for the volunteer and for our communities.

“This is an innovative and dynamic approach to increasing volunteering opportunities, especially for young people. Our commitment to equality and diversity underpins our approach to promoting volunteering and we want to increase such opportunities.

“Our Programme for Government promises to be bold in our vision for volunteering and to work with young people to better understand their aims and motivations. There’s no better time to do that than the Year of Young People.”

Dured Alhalabe, Founder of the Amal Project, volunteer from Aberdeenshire, and Young Scot Award winner said: “Volunteering has been so important to me. Volunteering brings people together, helps to develop new skills and makes our communities stronger. I think it’s great that other young people, like me, will have a direct say in developing the new strategy, so we can find new ways to encourage more young people get involved in volunteering.”

 

 

Last orders for Food and Drink Awards

Just two weeks left to enter Scotland’s ‘food and drink Oscars’

Businesses of any size within the Scottish food and drink industry are able to enter 22 categories which range from rewarding successful partnerships to celebrating primary producers. Entries must be made through the online application form before 5pm on Friday 9 March.  Continue reading Last orders for Food and Drink Awards

“Living Hell” respite: Syrian ceasefire agreed at last

The United Nations Security Council yesterday adopted resolution 2401 demanding a cessation of hostilities in Syria to enable delivery of humanitarian assistance. However some of the biggest rebel groups are not covered by the truce so there are concerns that the slaughter will continue unabated. Continue reading “Living Hell” respite: Syrian ceasefire agreed at last