Do you know an enthusiastic young adult who’d like to get involved with the Edinburgh Science Festival? If so, they could be perfect for our Youth Consultation Group!
We are taking applications from now until 27 September 2019. Continue reading Young folk: Edinburgh Science Festival wants YOU!
Captain of the Scottish women’s football team, Rachel Corsie, has urged members of the public to swap their football kits for kilts ahead of the upcoming Royal Bank of Scotland Edinburgh Kiltwalk.
The defender, who led her national team to its first World Cup finals this summer in France, filmed a message of support ahead of the event on September 15.
Rachel said: “Congratulations to everyone who has participated in the Kiltwalk so far this year. Great job! There’s one last event left in Edinburgh on 15 September – please sign up and raise money for a charity of your choice.
“Very generously The Hunter Foundation has agreed to increase whatever you raise by 40%. Get out there, encourage each other, support, donate, walk – do it all!”
Susanne Morrison, Head of Marketing, said: “Rachel, along with the whole Scotland team, were an inspiration over the summer with their performance during the World Cup, and it’s great to see her getting behind the Kiltwalk and showing her support.
“The 2019 Kiltwalk is on track to be bigger and more successful than ever before, and with your help we can surpass the £1million raised for Scottish charities by walkers in Edinburgh last year.”
Kiltwalk has already seen more than 20,000 walkers participate in the Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee events earlier this year and is hoping to raise more than last year’s total of £5million for charities across the country, including the 40% boost from The Hunter Foundation.
The Edinburgh Kiltwalk is the final event this year, taking place on Sunday 15 September. The 24-mile Mighty Stride begins at Holyrood Park, before looping back to finish at the Kiltwalk village at BT Murrayfield. With the 14-mile Big Stroll and the five-mile Wee Wander, there is a walk for everyone.
For more information about the Kiltwalk, or to register, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk
-Age Scotland launch new Share What You Love campaign to combat loneliness-
New research from charity Age Scotland has revealed a shocking communications gap between the young and old in Scotland, as they launch a new campaign to combat loneliness in the over 65s. Continue reading Scots prefer spending time on social media than with their older relatives
Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a serious road collision in the west of the city. The incident happened around 9am on Monday (2nd September) on Broomhouse Road at its roundabout junction with Broomhouse Drive. Continue reading Police appeal following road collision in Broomhouse
Programme for Government 2019-20
Ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change and securing a positive future for generations to come are the focus of this year’s Programme for Government, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.
While attention was concentrated on the drama unfolding down at Westminster, MSPs returned to Holyrood after the summer recess and Nicola Sturgeon laid out the SNP government’s plan for the year ahead.
Following the First Minister’s acknowledgement of a global climate emergency earlier this year, the Programme for Government sets out the Scottish Government’s next steps to tackle climate change, including a landmark investment of more than £500 million to improve bus infrastructure across the country to encourage more people to use public transport.
The First Minister also announced plans to decarbonise Scotland’s railways by 2035 and make the Highlands and Islands the world’s first net zero aviation region by 2040.
She also confirmed the first wave of schools to be built or refurbished through a new £1 billion school investment programme will be announced later this month and an extra £15 million will be provided to help improve additional support for learning.
An additional £20 million of funding will help tackle the public health emergency of drug deaths in Scotland. The Child Payment, which will benefit low income families with young children by £500 each year, will now be introduced by Christmas 2020 – ahead of the original schedule.
Other measures include:
The First Minister also confirmed the Referendums Bill will go forward this year and that the Scottish Government will ask, during the passage of the Bill, for the transfer of power to hold an independence referendum within this term of Parliament.
The First Minister said: “This Programme for Government will put health, prosperity and wellbeing at its heart, and will reinforce Scotland’s place as a dynamic, open, innovative economy.
“In the last 12 months we have made important progress in creating a better and fairer country and this year’s Programme for Government builds on that record.
“Earlier this year, I acknowledged that Scotland – like the rest of the world – faces a climate emergency. We are now committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest – earlier than any other UK nation.
“This year’s Programme for Government is an important part of our response to the climate emergency, containing measures which will reduce emissions while supporting sustainable and inclusive growth.
“It sets out actions which will make a difference for years to come. It details measures which can help make our country the best in the world to grow up, learn, work and live. It meets the challenges of the future, while staying true to our enduring values.
“However, alongside these crucial steps, we will continue to plan for the possibility of a ‘no deal’ Brexit and, as long as this remains a risk, the Scottish Government will work as hard as we can to mitigate the impact on families, communities and businesses across the country.”
Bills for introduction in 2019-20:
Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon Macdonald, has welcomed the SNP’s ambitious new plans to tackle climate change and build a fairer country, outlined in this year’s Programme for Government.
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The SNP has achieved a huge amount in government – in just the last year we’ve increased NHS funding, increased teacher numbers and pay and delivered brand new benefits through our Scottish Social Security Agency.
“Our plan for the year ahead is an ambitious set of proposals to tackle climate change and build a fairer country.
“Even in the midst of Westminster chaos and instability, the Scottish Government is determined to get on with improving lives in Edinburgh and across Scotland.
“But it cannot be stressed enough – while we are doing everything we can to move Scotland forward, the threat to our economy and our society posed by Boris Johnson’s plan for a No Deal Brexit remains.”
Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision at the foot of Leith Walk.
The incident happened around 1.10pm this afternoon at Newkirkgate. Continue reading Man dies following Leith Walk road accident
Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a showdown in Westminster today after officials warned he would call for a snap general election on 14 October if MPs succeed in seizing control of Commons business. Continue reading A huge day for democracy as Johnson ups the ante
Hosts of the IFSC European Climbing Championships, which will take place from 4-6 October 2019 at Edinburgh’s International Climbing Arena at Ratho, are reporting huge demand for tickets. Continue reading ‘Phenomenal demand’ for European Climbing Championships tickets
NSPCC Scotland’s ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ (SOSS) service which helps children to learn how to recognise abuse, has now been delivered in all mainstream primary schools in Edinburgh. Continue reading NSPCC Scotland’s School Service delivered to all schools in Edinburgh
Starts Monday 23 September: 10am – 12 noon at Royston Wardieburn
