Day: February 11, 2020

Missing EU already?

FIRST MINISTER: ‘We’ve never needed EU more’

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has emphasised Scotland’s shared values with the European Union during a series of engagements in Brussels.

Speaking to an audience including EU diplomats at the European Policy Centre, she said that Scotland’s task now that membership of the EU had ended was to find a voice as an independent nation which could take its place on the world stage.

In the meantime, the Scottish Government will use its devolved powers to maintain, as far as it is able, the closest possible ties with the EU, while working towards independence.

Earlier the First Minister met EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier to discuss  the UK/EU talks, which are due to begin next month. She also spoke to EU Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager about the EU’s Green Deal and the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, the dynamics of digitisation and Artificial Intelligence.

The First Minister said: “It was already clear, and it has been reaffirmed to me in the constructive meetings I’ve held today, that there is genuine goodwill in the EU towards Scotland.

“We are leaving the EU at a time when we have never benefited from it more, and when we have never needed it more to achieve our ambitions.

“On this visit to Brussels I have made clear how important it is for Scotland to remain close to the EU.”

It’s difficult to see what more Scotland can do to ‘remain close’ to the EU. The Scottish government’s position on Europe is clear, but unless we become an independent country we will remain on the outside.

And while we await another independence referendum, there is an increasing clamour for the Scottish government to concentrate on the ‘day job’. Domestic problems are mounting, the government’s competence is under increasing scrutiny and Scottish Parliament elections are on the horizon. These are tough times for the First Minister – and they can only get tougher.

The First Minister’s full speech to the European Policy Centre is available on the Scottish Government website.

Cyber-bullying revealed as children’s greatest online fear

  • More than a quarter of children and young people are worried about cyber-bullying, a survey reveals – topping the list of online fears
  • 89% also think talking to parents would help keep them stay safe online, but parents reported that only 35% had done so in the last 12 months.
  • Survey of more than 4,000 children and young people and 4,000 parents and carers conducted on behalf of O2 and NSPCC ahead of Safer Internet Day 

Being cyber-bullied is children’s greatest fear when they go online, according to a major survey conducted on behalf of O2 and the NSPCC ahead of Safer Internet Day (Tuesday 11 February).

When questioned, more than a quarter of children (27%) said bullying or someone being unkind to them was what worried them the most when using the internet.

The survey of more than 4,000 young people also revealed being contacted by someone they don’t know was the second biggest online concern (16% of respondents).

Speaking to parents or carers is overwhelmingly seen by children (89%) as the thing to do to help them stay safe online, but parents reported only 35% had raised internet safety with them in the past 12 months.

The survey of more than 4,000 parents and carers also revealed that 92% felt they knew how to advise their child on staying safe online, but less than half (42%) had agreed guidelines on what they do when using the internet.

To mark Safer Internet Day, O2 and the NSPCC have created a new online family agreement for parents and children to fill-in and sign together to help encourage more regular conversations about internet safety.

The agreement provides families with the opportunity to make a joint pledge on things both parents and children will do when online.

O2 and the NSPCC also offer free online resources in the form of Net Aware, a website which explains the social networks, apps or games that children are using most frequently.

Laura Randall, Associate Head of Child Safety Online and Innovation at the NSPCC, said: “Children and young people are becoming increasingly aware of the risks they face when going online and the vital role their parents or carers can play in ensuring they stay safe.

“As a result, parents and carers need to take the initiative and set up regular conversations with their child about their online life, with our family agreement being a great way to kick things off.

“To ensure they are as well informed as possible parents and carers can also access free tools like Net Aware, where they can learn about the latest games, apps and social networks their children are using.”

Nicola Green, Corporate Affairs Director at O2 said: “The digital world is an amazing place but it’s important that as parents we have regular conversations with our children so they’re aware how to safely navigate any potential dangers online.

“As a mum, I know it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start, which is why for Safer Internet Day this year we’ve created a family agreement, available in-store and to download online for free, as a handy tool for parents to explore what their children like doing online and agree to set some guidelines.”

As well as the family agreement, the partnership have developed a booklet offering the latest practical and simple tips on the risks children might face when using the internet, and advice about what parents can do to keep their child safe.

The booklet is now available in more than 450 O2 stores nationwide.

Thorntons team with CHAS for Rocking Horse Ball

Thorntons and CHAS are thrilled to announce a brand new partnership that will raise crucial funds to support children with life-shortening conditions and their families throughout Scotland.

Thorntons have generously agreed to be the headline sponsor for the fifth edition of the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball, which takes place on 5 June 2020. The prestigious annual event attracts the great and good from Scottish business and society and has fast become one of the most popular charity dinners in Edinburgh’s social calendar.

Last year it raised an incredible £136,000 to further enable CHAS to provide a full family support service across Scotland for children with life shortening conditions and their families. With the generosity of the team at Thorntons, this year’s ‘Oz’-themed extravaganza promises to be the biggest so far.

Colin Graham, Chairman at Thorntons, said: “The annual CHAS Rocking Horse Ball is a fantastic fundraiser which supports the inspiring work of this charity throughout the year.

“We’re embedded in our local communities and CHAS provides services all over Scotland. We’re proud to pledge our support of the 2020 event which we hope will raise a record total for CHAS.”

CHAS Chief Executive, Rami Okasha, and the team were delighted to welcome Colin and Senior Partner Clare Macpherson to Rachel House hospice to show them where their contributions go and thank them for their support with a special gesture – a handmade pair of ruby slippers – created by three of the incredible children which CHAS supports.

Rami said: “We are thrilled to welcome Thorntons as our headline sponsors for this year’s Rocking Horse Ball. CHAS is a charity on a mission. We want to ensure that we can be there to support children with life shortening conditions and their families wherever they are in Scotland, and whenever they need us.

“The wonderful support from Colin and the team at Thorntons will be a huge support in ensuring we can continue to reach more families.”

In Scotland, nearly 16,000 children and young people live with life-shortening conditions and CHAS is determined to reach every family who needs its services. CHAS works across Scotland, able to provides its hospice services nation-wide for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. CHAS offers palliative, respite and end-of-life care from Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.

The CHAS at Home service supports families with the services of a hospice yet in their own homes across the whole of Scotland. Through its Diana Children’s Nurses working in hospitals across the country they can support families and clinical teams.

Pictured: Clare Macpherson, Rami Okasha, Diane Alton and Colin Graham.

‘Clear link’ between meditation and stress reduction

New collaborative research at Queen’s University Belfast and Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia aims to better understand the link between meditation and improved mental health outcomes.

Despite the growing popularity of meditation practice around the world to address a number of health issues, there is limited evidence to support this.

While stress is common among everyone at some point, persistent stress can eventually contribute to disease and mental illness. The endocrine system is particularly important in the management of stress but the functioning of the endocrine system and wellbeing have been scarcely investigated.

The research team reviewed a large number of previous studies and analysed how meditation impacted a number of hormones related to stress. The study, now published in Cell Press, found a connection between meditation, the endocrine system and health and wellbeing.

Dr Chantal Ski, Author and Reader in Cardiovascular Health at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Through the comprehensive literature review, we found that there is a clear link between meditation and stress reduction.

“We focused on studies that analysed how meditation affected the endocrine system and a number of interconnected systems that regulate stress such as the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA), the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Thyroid (HPT) axis and the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone (RAA) system.”

Dr Michaela Pascoe, Lead and Corresponding Author on the research and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University, Melbourne said: “This work shows that meditation influences the regulation of the HPA axis, which may reduce stress levels.

“Another key finding was linked with the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Thyroid (HPT) axis, which determines and regulates thyroid hormone production and is particularly associated with depression and anxiety. The findings indicate that meditation and yoga influenced the HPA axis to a varying degree.

“The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone (RAA) System regulates blood pressure, electrolytes and fluid balance. Although the scope of research is currently limited, it seems that meditation may also influence the RAA system, corresponding with improved well-being and changes in hormonal stress.”

Meditation is becoming increasingly popular, with over a quarter of UK adults practising meditation as a therapy. A recent study in the US cited a threefold increase in the practice over the last five years.

Dr Ski added: “Increased knowledge of the interrelationships between the endocrine system and meditation will lead to identification of specific meditation practices that are of most benefit to the health and wellbeing of various population.

“Given the multitude and severity of health issues related to persistent stress, it is paramount that more research is carried out in this area to help inform effective future healthcare policies among different groups as this could only lead to huge health benefits as well as financial benefits with more effective treatments in place.”

Dr Pascoe concluded: “Most studies to date have explored the effect of meditation practice on the HPA axis and much more research is needed to examine other aspects of the endocrine system.

“Whilst it is intriguing that various meditation practices appear to induce changes in endocrine function and consequently be associated with improvements in mental health, the underlying associations and mechanisms that might operate are unclear, though likely involve psychological, physiological, and neurological processes.”

MSPs Welcome Further Protections for Animals and Wildlife

Greater protections to strengthen the health and welfare of animals and wildlife in Scotland have been supported in a report issued yesterday by Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.

Key provisions within the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill are:

• The increase of maximum penalties for animal welfare and wildlife crime offences to five years in prison
• The creation of fixed penalty notices for minor offences
• Removal of the requirement for court orders for rehoming animals.
• Increased protection for service animals (Finn’s Law) through the removal of the defence of self-defence.

Whilst considering the Bill, the Committee raised concerns about the lack of a central registration system to facilitate information sharing between authorities and agencies in relation, for example, to previous convictions.

Committee Convener, Gillian Martin MSP, (above) said: “We have explored the proposed penalties along with the powers given to those authorised to take animals into possession on welfare grounds. The Bill was widely welcomed but we believed more could be done.

“We recognise the tight focus of the Bill but we’re also in no doubt that it goes a long way to improving animal and wildlife protections in Scotland. When implemented, there should be greater co-operation, greater resourcing and greater awareness of the issues involved. The health and welfare of our animals and wildlife will be significantly improved.”

Additional recommendations made within the report include:

• That the options for enhanced detection and prosecution by expanding the powers of the SSPCA be explored
• That impact statements should be used as a matter of standard practise
• That the Scottish Government works with the Crown Office to provide more clarity and guidance about vicarious liability

See below for copy of the Committee report:

ECCLRS0520R1 (003)

Volunteers needed to bring LOVE back to Gorgie Farm!

The new folk at Gorgie City Farm are seeking volunteers to assist in bringing the popular visitor destination back to life, ahead of the farm opening its doors again to the public as LOVE Gorgie Farm on Saturday 29th February. 

LOVE Learning, an education and social care charity that supports vulnerable individuals by using innovative ways to engage them in learning, announced it was taking over the city farm in January after the farm went into liquidation in 2019. 

The charity is now looking for volunteers to help prepare the site in time for its official opening date at the end of the month. Activities for the volunteers will consist of organising and tidying up the site to make it presentable and safe for both the public and the animals. 

Volunteer days will take place from 10 am – 3:30 pm over the course of the next two weekends: 15th, 16th and 22nd, 23rd of February. Volunteers do not have to stay the whole day, even an hour would be great. 

After the site opens its doors to the public it will remain open 7 days a week and will be free for visitors. LOVE Learning intends to keep using the site as a city farm as part of their portfolio of environmental projects. 

In addition, LOVE Gorgie Farm will procure educational services to vulnerable children through animal and forest therapy.

It will also provide a range of professional apprenticeships and Scottish Qualifications Authority awarded qualifications, as well as organise social prescribing and wellbeing therapies in partnership with the NHS.

Lynn Bell, CEO of LOVE Learning, said: “We are delighted to have taken responsibility for Gorgie City Farm. LOVE Learning know how treasured and important the site is for the community and we want to bring this back to the people of Edinburgh as soon as possible. 

“We are asking anyone that might have been involved with Gorgie City Farm in the past, may have a fond childhood memory of the farm or that simply wants to come and give us a hand to contact us ahead of the opening. 

“There is a lot of work to get done prior to opening the farm doors on the 29th of February and the local community, businesses and volunteers will be key for the farm to thrive and achieve its full potential. 

“After we get the farm up and running on the 29th we will put in place volunteer activities for those looking to continue to be involved with our LOVE Gorgie Farm project going forward.” 

Volunteers are advised to bring lunch and wear old clothes and mud resistant boots!

Anyone looking to volunteer should contact LOVE Learning at

 Gorgie@l-o-v-e.org.uk

“Enough Is Enough”

  • ministers act swiftly after second terror attack in as many months
  • around 50 jailed extremists will see their automatic release blocked
  • no terrorist offender released before the end of their sentence unless the Parole Board agrees

Emergency legislation introduced in the Westminster Parliament today will end the automatic early release of terrorist offenders, as the government takes decisive action to protect the public and keep our streets safe.

The urgent laws, unveiled by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC MP, will ensure terrorist offenders cannot be released before the end of their sentence without a thorough risk assessment by the Parole Board – with those considered still a threat to public safety forced to spend the rest of their time in prison.

The new rules will apply to offenders sentenced for crimes such as training for terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation, and the dissemination of terrorist publications.

The Bill will cover England & Wales, and Scotland and the government’s Counter-Terrorism Sentencing Bill will apply UK-wide.

The move will end the current automatic half-way release for offenders who receive standard determinate sentences. Instead, they will be forced to spend a minimum of two-thirds of their term behind bars before being referred to the Parole Board for consideration.

It will mean around 50 terrorist prisoners already serving affected sentences will see their automatic release halted.

Justice Secretary & Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, said: “No dangerous terrorist should be released automatically only to go on to kill and maim innocent people on our streets.

“Enough is enough. This government will do whatever it takes to keep the public safe, including making sure no terror offender is released early without a thorough risk assessment by the Parole Board.

“And we are not stopping there. We are stepping-up deradicalisation measures in our prisons, introducing a 14-year minimum for the worst terrorist offenders, and giving more money to the police to deal with these horrific crimes.”

In addition to the Bill the government will ensure that when a terrorist offender is released they will be subject to robust safeguards, which could include notification requirements, restrictions on travel and communications, and imposed curfews.

The Bill is expected to be debated in Parliament as a matter of urgency, receiving Royal Assent by the end of February. It delivers on the government’s commitments following the senseless attack in Streatham last week, with ministers acting swiftly to prevent another terrorist being released early.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Recent months have been a stark reminder of the threat we continue to face from terrorism.

“We are determined to ensure that dangerous terrorists are not free to spread their hateful ideologies or harm the public.

“We are already boosting funding for counter-terrorism police and victims of terrorism and this legislation will ensure terrorist offenders are not released early unless there has been a full assessment of the risks.”

Most serious terror offences already attract extended sentences, which require an offender to be referred to the Parole Board before they can be considered for release before the end of their sentence. The worst cases receive life sentences and may never be released.

However, those who serve what is known as ‘standard determinate sentences’ are released automatically at the half-way point. This means that authorities are powerless to prevent a release – even if an offender continues to display concerning behaviour.

The emergency legislation will prevent that from happening and make sure terrorist offenders are assessed by the Parole Board, who have the powers and expertise to examine sensitive evidence about the specific risks that terrorists pose to public safety.

Today’s announcement builds on recent action by ministers to strengthen the response to terrorism following the Fishmongers’ Hall attack in London Bridge. This includes plans for a new Counter Terrorism Sentencing Bill to be introduced in the coming months which will:

  • Introduce tougher sentences for the most serious terrorist offenders and a 14-year minimum for the worst terrorist offenders.
  • Remove the possibility of any early release from custody for serious dangerous terrorist offenders who receive an Extended Determinate Sentence (EDS).
  • Introduce measures to strengthen licence supervision for terrorist offenders, with longer periods on licence following release.
  • Introduce Polygraph testing for terrorist offenders on licence.

And finally, the Westminster government will review whether the current maximum penalties and sentencing framework for terrorist offences is indeed sufficient or comprehensive on the underlying principle that terrorist offenders should no longer be released until the Parole Board is satisfied that they are no longer a risk to the public.

Dalmeny Street assault and robbery: Police release CCTV image

Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak with in connection to an ongoing investigation into an assault and robbery.

The incident took place around 3:00am on Tuesday 8 October 2019, on Dalmeny Street just off Leith Walk. A 22 year old woman was assaulted and her handbag was stolen.

Officers believe the man pictured may have information to assist their investigation and anyone who recognises him is urged to come forward.

The male in the image is seen to have dark hair, is of slim build, and believed to be around 5’10. He is pictured wearing black trousers, a black jacket or shirt and black shoes.

Police Constable Ewan Bates, of the Violence Reduction Unit at Gayfield Police Station, said: “We are keen to trace the man in the CCTV footage as he may be able to assist with our investigation.

If you can identify him, or have any information that can help with our enquiries then please get in touch. Likewise, if the man himself sees this appeal then please contact us.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 0314 of Tuesday, 8 October, 2019. Or contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Met Office weather warning remains in place

YELLOW WARNING – Wind and Snow

Queensferry Crossing remains CLOSED

Headline:

Windy and feeling bitterly cold. Showers of rain, sleet, snow.

Today:

Frequent showers of rain, sleet, snow, carried on strong to gale westerly winds, making for a bitterly cold day. Snow accumulating away from lowest levels, with drifting adding to potentially hazardous travel conditions, also wet snow sporadically reaching sea level. Maximum temperature 4 °C.

Tonight:

More of the same with wintry showers and strong to gale westerly winds. However showers tending to ease a touch from the south towards dawn. Minimum temperature -1 °C.