Day: February 26, 2019

“Unacceptable”: 128 deliberate fires in Edinburgh in just two months

Firefighters were called to tackle more than 1,800 deliberate fires across Scotland in the space of just two months, latest figures reveal. Continue reading “Unacceptable”: 128 deliberate fires in Edinburgh in just two months

Closing the Gap: Record number of school leavers reach a ‘positive destination’

Deprivation gap in positive destinations falls by half

94.4% of pupils had a ’positive destination’ including work, training or further study within three months of leaving school last year, official statistics show.

The figures also reveal that the gap between those from the most and least deprived communities achieving a positive destination has halved since 2009/10, with an increase in positive destinations for school leavers from both backgrounds.

Over the same period there have been increases at all levels of attainment – the qualifications young people are achieving.

For the first time more than 30% of pupils left school with a minimum of five passes at Higher Level or better, up from 22.2% in 2009/10. The gap between those from the most and least deprived areas achieving a pass at Higher Level or better is now at a record low, reducing for the eighth successive year.

In addition, more young people are choosing to remain at school, with almost two thirds leaving in S6.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “These welcome statistics show that more young Scots are studying, training or working within three months of leaving school than ever before. And, the gap between the richest and poorest communities for those getting into one of these positive destinations is now half what it was. That is real world progress in tackling an age old problem.

“They also show pupils are generally staying at school for longer and gaining more qualifications between fourth and sixth year. I am particularly pleased to see the attainment gap between school leavers achieving a pass at Higher Level or better is at a record low.

“At National 4 and 5 level, however, the attainment gap has remained broadly flat over the last two years which reflects the distance we know we have to go and why we are investing more than £180 million through the Scottish Attainment Challenge in 2019/20 alone.

“The figures published today are encouraging but we know there is more to do to raise attainment and ensure all our young people have the very best chance to build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed – regardless of their background.”

The 2009/10 summary statistics for attainment and initial leaver destinations are the earliest comparable figures to those published today.

Not fair: report calls for better deal for care workers

The Fair Work Convention today published its report Fair Work in Scotland’s Social Care Sector 2019. The report calls for urgent interventions by policy makers, commissioners and leaders in the social care sector to improve the quality of work and employment for the 200,000 strong workforce in Scotland.

The Scottish Greens have urged the Holyrood government to put fair work at the heart of social care by accepting the report’s recommendations in full. Continue reading Not fair: report calls for better deal for care workers

Switched On: digital access ‘still far from universal’

Digital Inclusion: young people are missing out

The Carnegie UK Trust has published a new report: Switched On, bringing together research and evidence about key issues related to digital inclusion with a particular focus on children and young people. The report emphasises that adequate digital access is still far from universal. Continue reading Switched On: digital access ‘still far from universal’

Holyrood to debate changes to organ donation legislation

A Bill to introduce a soft opt-out system of organ and tissue donation for deceased donors  will be debated in Parliament today. Members will be asked to agree to the general principles of the Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Bill. Continue reading Holyrood to debate changes to organ donation legislation

Police seek witnesses following cemetery incident

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an assault an attempted robbery in the city centre. The incident happened around 11.45pm on Saturday (23rd February) in the St Cuthbert’s Cemetery, just off Lothian Road.

A 23-year-old man was cutting through the graveyard to catch a bus when a male approached and punched him to the ground before presenting a knife.

An attempt was then made to steal the victim’s rucksack. However, he held on and was assaulted further during the struggle. As a result of this attack, the victim sustained a large cut to his face and other smaller cuts to his hand.

The suspect then made off through the cemetery in the direction of Princes Street.

Officers are investigating this matter as part of Operation Arable and anyone with information is asked to come forward. The suspect is described only as being white, with a scarf covering his face and speaking with a Scottish accent.

Detective Sergeant Mark Lumsden from Gayfield CID said: “Firstly, it is important to stress that crimes of this nature within the city centre are extremely rare and a full investigation is now underway to identify and apprehend the male responsible. 

“While these inquiries are conducted, uniformed officers will provide a high-visibility presence in the area to speak with members of the public, who may have any relevant information, but to also offer reassurance to our communities that we are treating this incident very seriously and working hard to apprehend the suspect.

“If you remember seeing any suspicious activity in the area around the St Cuthbert’s Cemetery late on Saturday evening, then please contact police immediately.

“Likewise, if you have information that can help us trace the suspect then please also get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Gayfield CID via 101 and quote incident number 5489 of the 23rd February. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.