AN ICONIC Old Town street and square were closed off on Monday as 2000 delegates from across Europe met in the heart of the city for a one-of-a-kind Scottish heritage party. For one night only, members of the European Orthodontic Society (EOS) were treated to some of the best of the nation’s entertainment as they take over Hill Square Gardens and Hill Place. Continue reading Old Town shut down as Europeans gather for Scottish party
The gap between pupils from the most and least deprived areas who go on to university, college or a job after school has closed by over a fifth in one year, latest figures show. Continue reading Education: poverty gap is closing
The uncertainties surrounding agriculture and fisheries in a post-Brexit world and how the UK will deliver a ‘green Brexit’ will be raised by two Holyrood Committees as they hear from Rt Hon Michael Gove MP next week.
Sadly, there won’t be an opportunity for members of the public to welcome the Minister to the capital – the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee and the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee will be taking evidence from Rt Hon Michael Gove MP Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs via video conferencing next Wednesday (27 June).
The meeting will focus on agriculture, environment and fisheries policies and frameworks, what they will include and when they will be agreed. The Secretary of State will be asked about potential common frameworks and how they might be arrived at and operated.
MSPs across both Holyrood Committees will also be looking for clarity on funds for agriculture, fisheries and the environment to replace EU funding in the future.
Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee Convener, Graeme Dey MSP, said: “There are many unknowns and unanswered questions on life after Brexit and whether this will leave gaps in laws that protect our environment, such as tackling air pollution, protecting animal welfare and stopping the overwhelming number of plastics harming the marine environment.
“Our meeting with Michael Gove is an important opportunity to find out what we may lose when we leave the EU, and what solutions will be put in place to ensure environmental principles that underpin policy, legislation and environmental protections are not weakened.”
Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee Convenor, Edward Mountain MSP, said: “We welcome the opportunity to hear from Michael Gove at the committee and we look forward to exploring the issues and solutions around agriculture and fisheries.
“These industries are of huge significance to the rural economy in Scotland and it is essential that we receive clarity on how Brexit will impact them, and to ensure Scotland’s standards and systems are maintained and protected after the UK leaves the EU. It is also essential to be clear on the systems of payments in Scotland post Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in order to support our farmers across the country.”
A GROUNDBREAKING new exhibition allowing visitors to explore the secrets of life beneath the ocean’s waves is coming to Scotland. Featuring incredible cross-sections of animals from whales and penguins to Great White sharks, SEA CREATURES: Life Beneath The Ocean will provide a never-before-seen up-close glimpse of their complex organs. Continue reading Sea Creatures coming to Edinburgh
Baroness Ford, Chair of STV, must reconsider an invitation to appear before Holyrood’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee, says convener Joan McAlpine MSP. Continue reading Think again: STV chief urged to reconsider Holyrood invite
Scotland has achieved full UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation in all of its maternity and community health visiting services, following NHS Lothian receiving the honour. The accreditation demonstrates that health boards across the country are providing new mums and babies with the best possible support and care. Continue reading Baby friendly Scotland!
A team of pupils from St Augustine’s RC High School in Edinburgh have been crowned winners of a battle of robots competition, Marty’s Coding Party 2018. Teams from Leith Academy and Dalry Primary School also received recognition for their efforts at the event at Forrester High School yesterday.
Continue reading Get the party started: St Augustine’s crowned coding champions
Scottish Government seeks guarantees
Continue reading Prime Minister sets out five year funding plan for NHS
