Not spending enough quality time with family and friends is having a negative impact on our mental health, according to a new report from smart home service provider, Hive. Continue reading Father’s Day: We’re spending less quality time with loved ones than 5 years ago
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, is calling for a “skills revolution” across Lothian. He wants to make it clear that a vocational education is every bit as valuable as an academic one. Continue reading Miles Briggs calls for a “skills revolution”
Young British nationals travelling to Majorca will receive tips on how to avoid exploitation as part of an annual Border Force operation designed to safeguard holiday makers. Continue reading Border Force helps holidaymakers avoid summer nightmare
Two new recipients of a scholarship fund set up in memory of MND campaigner Gordon Aikman (above), have been announced. Continue reading New Gordon Aikman Scholarship Projects announced
Two carers have been convicted of murdering a 19-year-old woman whose death they covered up for 20 years. The body of Margaret Fleming, who had learning difficulties, has never been found. Continue reading “A Living Hell”: the tragic life and death of Margaret Fleming
First step to set up new Assembly to help shape Scotland’s future.
The process of establishing the new Citizens’ Assembly to explore some of the major challenges facing Scotland has begun.
A contractor is being sought to randomly select 120 members of the public to serve on the Assembly. The individuals will be broadly representative of Scotland’s adult population in terms of age, gender, socio-economic class, ethnic group, geography and political attitudes.
The Assembly will consider three broad issues:
* what kind of country should be
* how can Scotland best overcome challenges, including those arising from Brexit
* what further work is required to enable people to make informed choices about the future of Scotland
Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell said: “This is the first time a Citizens’ Assembly has been used in Scotland and will bring together a wide range of ordinary people from across our country in a genuine attempt to reach consensus on the issues that we face. Similar models have been used successfully in countries including Ireland, Canada, Australia and Poland.
“It is a bold idea and one I hope everyone, whatever their political view, can embrace. I believe we all want the best for Scotland and if we have learnt anything from Brexit it is the need to make space for people to engage with information and to exchange different views.”
The Citizens’ Assembly is one strand of the Scottish Government’s three pronged approach to chart a distinctive course for Scotland. The others are the establishment of a legal framework providing the option for a referendum and cross-party talks to identify areas of agreement on constitutional change.
The Scottish Government’s approach is based on lessons learned from a range of Citizens’ Assembly initiatives.
Members will be identified by early September, with the Assembly meeting on six weekends between the autumn and Spring 2020.
Assembly members will receive a gift of thanks of £200 per weekend to recognise their time and contribution. Travel, accommodation and other reasonable costs, such as child care, will also be covered.
MSPs, MPs, MEPs, councillors and members of the House of Lords, political party staff, public appointees and senior public and civil servants will be ineligible to sit on the Assembly, as will representatives and officials of relevant advocacy groups.
An announcement on the convenership of the Assembly will be made by Constitutional Secretary Michael Russell shortly.
People with hidden disabilities will soon be able to access Blue Badge parking permits, thanks to the rollout of new guidance today. Continue reading Review of Blue Badge fraud as scheme is extended to those with ‘hidden disabilities’
Dean Beggs was badly burned in a workplace accident back in January. NEN featured Dean’s story (see below) and he got back in touch this week to let readers know what he’s been up to – he’s been busy!:
“My name is Dean Beggs. I was featured in one of your stories back in May. I was involved in a horrific work place accident.
“A gas bottle was connected to a burner and was placed inside a container which was then closed.I was unaware of this and opened the door, causing a backdraft. I was flung against another container across from me and knew instantly I was fighting for my life.
“I looked down and saw I had no sleeves, and knew that in order for anyone to see me I had to run about 20 to 30 feet to be in sight of my workmates.
“I was then forced to roll about in a mucky puddle to put out the flames as I was still on fire.
“This happened back on 7th January 7th.
“Since then, I have organised, alongside St. Peters, a charity football game for the Royal Infirmary Ward 45 Burns Unit. This raised £2404.49 for the unit which will go towards specialised equipment for patient rehabilitation that would not qualify for funding within their NHS budget.
“I hosted the match at Johnstone Sports Hub, it was not the nicest of days but despite this over 100 people turned up to watch and donate to the cause in the rain.
“I had taken sponsor sheets to local workplaces and amenities coilers Johnstone , McAlpines Johnstone , Tandoori Palace Linwood and Celmissa plant hire Johnstone and some overwhelming donations from workers came flooding in.
“I also set up a Just Giving page which raised £570.
“On the day of the match we had a Beat the Goalie as well, where kids lined up with their pockets full of change to give to the cause. It was such an amazing day for an amazing cause!”
Great stuff, Dean!
Edinburgh Printmakers recently moved into its new £11m home in Fountainbridge, offering a creative hub in the capital – and now artists and locals alike can enjoy Café Ink, the new café which has opened within the building. Continue reading Cafe Ink opens at Edinburgh Printmakers
Largest ever study into Enduro rider injuries
Study finds Enduro is safer than other mountain biking disciplines
Edinburgh Napier University and the Enduro World Series have shared the results of their ground-breaking study into Enduro mountain biking rider injuries. Continue reading Ground-breaking study into Enduro mountain biking injuries
