Programmes to help raise the attainment of care experienced young people are to benefit from £11.6 million of funding – Edinburgh’s shareis £1,000,800.
Projects as diverse as mentoring programmes and outdoor and play-based education were supported through the Care Experienced Children and Young People fund last year.
Funding was also used to provide looked after children with laptops to support their home learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Local authorities will work with Chief Social Workers and Directors of Education to decide how this year’s funding will be used. Care experienced young people from birth up to the age of 26 are eligible for support.
To help mitigate the impact of COVID-19, local authorities will have flexibility to redirect some of this Care Experienced Children and Young People funding from existing plans to best support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families, with a continued focus on equity in education.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Improving the education and life chances of all our children and young people is the defining mission of this government.
“The challenges presented by the current pandemic mean that efforts to deliver equity in education are more important than ever.
“We know that there are still many barriers facing young people in care and that they are not always able to access the same opportunities as their peers.
“This funding will help remove those obstacles and allows local authorities to provide targeted help for some of our most disadvantaged pupils.”
A new criminal offence for people organising or facilitating unlawful gatherings comes into force on Friday
Tougher measures targeting the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions will come into effect on Friday 28 August ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
Those facilitating or organising illegal raves, unlicensed music events, or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine – placing a new deterrent on the breaches that put the public most at risk.
Fines of £100 can continue to be issued to those who participate in illegal gatherings and those who have already received a fine will see the amount of doubled on each offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “These gatherings are dangerous and those who organise them show a blatant disregard for the safety of others. I am pleased the police have already stepped up their response and I am giving them the tools they need to continue to keep us safe.
“We will continue to crack down on the small minority who think they are above the law.”
It comes as the NPCC warned police forces in England and Wales will continue to increase patrols to prevent illegal gatherings during the pandemic heading into the bank holiday weekend.
In areas of concern – such as Leicester and Greater Manchester – deployments have already been larger than on New Year’s Eve.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Unlicensed Music Events, Commander Ade Adelekan, said: “We welcome this further deterrent against those who irresponsibly put people’s health and safety at risk by organising these events.
“Unlicensed music events are unlawful and unregulated. These events are hosted without regard for the safety of those attending, and police have observed cases of anti-social behaviour, sales of drugs and gang activity.
“It is vital that forces obtain information about any illegal events at the earliest opportunity. As organisers are able to spread the word about these events quickly online, timely information about suspicious activity or plans enables forces to plan ahead and take effective action against them.
“To the organisers of this sort of activity, I strongly advise that you seriously consider the risks you’re creating for everyone in attendance and the wider community. There is a risk of prosecution for those who organise these events and equipment will be seized.”
In London, the Metropolitan Police has responded to more than 1,000 unlicensed events since the end of June, receiving information on more than 200 events across the city in a single weekend.
Aside from the risk of spreading the virus, many events are linked to criminality and also turn violent. This week two teenagers were stabbed at a warehouse rave in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
In Manchester a 27-year-old woman, said to be the organiser of large illegal gatherings over two consecutive evenings was issued with a fine for £100 and issued with an anti-social behaviour banning order preventing anyone outside the household from entering the property.
Also on the 28 August, fines for not wearing face coverings where it is mandated will also double for repeat offences, starting at £100 and doubling to a maximum of £3,200 for each repeat offence, mirroring fixed penalty notices for breaches for other restrictions.
Police are appealing for the public’s help in their efforts to trace two people who have been reported missing this weekend.
Police are seeking your help to trace a womanreported missing in Penicuik.There are growing concerns for the 45-year-old, who lives in the Ladywood area.
Claire Parkes is described as a dark haired white Scottish female with a localaccent.She was last seen wearing a yellow jacket, pink top, and grey/blue tracksuit bottoms.
Claire was last seen in the Nevis Gardens area of Ladywood, Penicuik around 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday).
Anyone who may have seen Claire, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2798 of 22082020.
MISSING PERSON – ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM – CRAIGMOUNT
*** ALEXANDER HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE AND WELL ***
Police are also appealing for information to help trace a missing 67-year-old man from Edinburgh. Alexander Cunningham was last seen leaving his home address in Craigmount Drive around 5.30pm on Friday (21 August, 2020).
He is described as a white male, around 5ft 6in tall with glasses, short grey hair and walks slowly with a limp. When last seen, Alexander was wearing a brown jacket with zip and pockets, black boots and grey trousers.
Inspector Caroline Flynn, of Drylaw Response Policing, said: “We are becomingly increasingly concerned about Alexander’s whereabouts and we are looking for assistance to help trace him safe and well.
“He is believed to be in possession of his bus pass and may have travelled, therefore we ask if anyone has seen anyone matching this description that they get in contact with officers.
“If anyone has any information that could help trace Alexander then please get in touch.
“Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 1432 of Saturday, 22 August, 2020.”
Apprentices made redundant by the fallout from COVID-19 are being offered a lifeline by an industry-focused charitable trust backed by one of Scotland’s largest trade associations.
SECTT, which manages high-quality training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), is actively seeking alternative employment for apprentices whose posts have disappeared, and has placed many out “on loan” to companies to keep their training and skill sets up to speed.
It is hoped these employers will now offer the apprentices employment and the opportunity to complete their apprenticeship, with 50% of the young people temporarily placed with other companies now being offered full-time jobs.
The Trust says the number of apprentices being taken on has fallen from a running average of 700 to 380 since the construction industry in Scotland was shut down in March this year. Of the 2,650 apprentices in training, 52 have been made redundant, 29 of them since June 1.
Anne Galbraith, chief executive of SECTT, (above) said: “The Trust is acting decisively because, in times of crisis, not only are training budgets in the firing line, but recruitment freezes close off employment opportunities for young entrants to the workforce.
“SECTT Training Officers have been working urgently on this issue, since not every one of our trainees has access to IT and communications tools, and face-to-face training effectively ceased in March. Working with our approved centres we have been able to offer remote learning for some of the course work.
“Five months is a long time without site or college interaction and it has been proving difficult to engage with some apprentices, but thankfully only a few. The fear is that many are struggling with confidence issues and even fear of going out.
“We have been identifying those at risk and supplying laptops so that they can remain in contact and complete any online course work. SECTT Training Officers have also been operating a business as usual policy and contacting apprentices on a regular basis.
“Having said that, it is very encouraging that most SELECT members are not paying off apprentices and are also trying hard to help those in trouble. Their reaction has been extremely positive. And while recruitment numbers are down, they are rising again every week.
“As well as advice and a friendly ear, we want to be able to support the redundant apprentices to continue at college so that they can complete the stage they are in, as this makes them more attractive to employers.”
Anne added: “My priority is on our current apprentices and ensuring that they can return to college safely and are all able to complete the stages of their apprenticeship. We can then focus on recruitment. All the above supports the Scottish Government’s recovery plans.”
Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “We know times are hard and, although the UK Government’s furlough scheme has helped, some businesses are still faced with a challenging economic future.
“In an ideal world, we would want these employers to retain their apprentices where possible, but we also realise that this may not be a realistic option for everyone. However, if the worst does happen, we want apprentices to know that we are here for them and will do our very best to help.
“SECTT has been working extremely hard over these past few months, finding alternate employment for apprentices and placing them with suitable employers.
“SELECT Members should also be saluted for the way they have stepped in and offered to help with much-needed offers of work, helping us to give these would-be electricians hope for the future.”
SECTT was established in 1990 to manage the SJIB Apprentice and Adult Training Schemes. It runs the only industry approved training schemes for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland. The SJIB Schemes are designed to regulate the entry, conditions of service, training and education of all persons in the electrical contracting industry, with a particular focus on apprenticeships.
SECTT manages the apprentices throughout their training from the first day at college to becoming a qualified electrician.
For more information, please contact Iain Mason, Director of Communications at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk
A Fire Service search and rescue dog that has responded more than 300 times to protect communities in Scotland and abroad has now officially retired.
Springer Spaniel Diesel has hung up his protective boots and doggles after helping locate casualties over the past eight years – or approximately 55 ‘dog years’.
The clever canine joined the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue team in 2012 and then the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in 2015.
And he was trained to use his powerful nose to move quickly through collapsed buildings or across wide areas of land to detect the live scent of an injured or trapped survivor.
Based in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, Diesel has been working side-by-side with handler Gary Carroll who is a Crew Commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The pair were notably deployed to Nepal in 2015 as part of the UK’s International Search and Rescue team after an earthquake hit the region and thousands sadly lost their lives.
11-year-old Diesel was the first search dog employed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and will officially hand over the lead to his protégé Mac.
Looking back at their time together, Crew Commander Carroll said: “Myself and Diesel have had a great working relationship over the years.
“I’ve had him since the day he was born and have been able to watch him grow into an incredible search dog.
“When we’ve attended incidents he’s always checking that I am ok, in the same way that I have done with him.”
He added: “He’s been a real asset and been able to help firefighters and other agencies at incidents by searching large areas in a short time frame.
“By doing this he’s able to help ascertain whether someone is within the search area – and, if not, then we can quickly move the focus onto another search area.”
Mac is a four-year-old English Springer Spaniel and has been an operational search dog with the national service since October 2019, also based in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire.
Martin Blunden is the Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
He said: “Firstly, I want to thank Diesel for his service – he’s been an important part of our response across Scotland for a number of years now.
“Even though he sees searching as a game, he’s dedicated a large part of his life to helping people when they are in need and that should be commended.
“I’d also like to thank Gary and his family for the hard work and time they have put in to training both Diesel and Mac.”
Crew Commander Carroll works as an Urban Search and Rescue instructor at the training centre in Portlethen.
Chief Officer Blunden continued: “It’s an incredible level of commitment shown by both handler and dog to be there for people across Scotland when needed.
“Whether it is the middle of the night or just as dinner is being served, a call can come in and Gary will drop anything to provide a potentially life-saving resource.”
To find out more about search dog Mac follow him on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @sfrsdog.
Family run for family fun, Conifox has re-opened its doors to welcome back kids, adults, parents and friends all in need of a little (wild) escape.
The adventure park and restaurant, situated 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, has passed the Visit Britain Covid 19 We’re Good To Go Industry Standard and is excited to once again see the park flooded with smiling faces and hear it ringing with peals of laughter whilst ensuring maximum safety guidelines are being followed and operated.
James Gammell, director of Conifox, is thrilled to see the park returned to its former pre-pandemic buzz: “we are so excited to welcome our friends and family back to Conifox.
“Whether we are watching you speed around the pedal go-kart racetrack or peeking out from behind our fingers as you off-road on our pedal tractors, it is so wonderful to be reminded of the park as it should be; a kids – and adults! – wonderland!
“To ensure the safety of our guests and our staff, we are adhering to the strictest guidelines, so even if you are showing off your skills on the 9-hole footgolf course, jumping on the giant pillow, bouncing all over the trampolines or excavating the giant sand pit, you can feel content that your wellbeing – and your enjoyment – is our paramount concern.
“As a family run business, we are passionate not only about what we do, but also about delivering the absolute best in customer experience. No matter if you are 8 or 80 you are welcome here and we will do everything in our power to make it a day that stays with you as an everlasting, happy memory.”
Constantly innovating and improving their customer offering, Conifox is the perfect spot for a full day out with family and friends. Although the Stables Bistro is closed to ensure compliance with social distancing measures, there is still a selection of delicious food available, including a sizzling BBQ (weather permitting) and all-day breakfast baps, as well as coffee and tea when you need a little refresh.
Alongside the huge and varied to-do list of activities you will certainly have planned ready for your arrival, there is also an exciting and everchanging calendar of events offering fresh and unique entertainment each and every month. From ‘Princess Parties’ to ‘Living Room Magic’, you will wish you had more hours in your day!
Situated on the outskirts of Kirkliston, just five minutes from Edinburgh Airport, Conifox is the ideal venue for school group outings, corporate fun days and birthday parties, thanks to boasting plenty of outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
To keep visitors safe, tickets are currently only available to pre-book and some attractions will be closed at certain times throughout the day for deep cleaning.
To find out more visit the Conifox Facebook page@conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.
The benefits of staying active as restrictions ease have been highlighted, as new research shows worry about the coronavirus situation has risen amongst Scots.
A new phase of the Clear Your Head campaign launched yesterday to help people look after their mental health, as research shows seven in ten people in Scotland (71 per cent) are worried about the coronavirus situation, the highest level seen since mid-June1 (59 per cent).
The latest phase of the campaign is encouraging people to keep up any new habits they may have started during the pandemic. It also highlights how making time to get active and do one thing, however big or small, can help people feel calmer and boost mood.
The website – clearyourhead.scot – gives practical tips and ideas on how to stay active and feel the benefits, including:
Build being active into your day by stretching, working out, walking or cycling
Be realistic about what’s achievable, start small and build up over time
Do something you enjoy, mixing things up to help make it interesting
Make it sociable, turning being active into a chance to catch up with people
The website also signposts helplines for those who need to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.
Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey said: “Life may be moving more as restrictions ease, but this can bring new challenges as people juggle work, family and other commitments. We are living in uncertain times and feelings of stress and worry are understandable as things continue to change, but there are practical things you can do to help you cope.
“Getting outside and keeping up active habits adopted during the pandemic, even for a short period of time, will help you feel better and more in control. It’s so important to be kind to yourself, and remember that help and support is available if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling.”
Cycling Scotland and Paths for All backed the campaign, as organisations that recorded increases in cycling and walking rates during lockdown2 – and encouraged people to keep going.
Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland said: “Cycling is great for your physical and mental health. Many more people were on their bikes during lockdown and we heard from so many how much of a difference cycling was making to their mental health, enjoying cleaner air, quieter roads and reducing feelings of stress.
“As we battle against Covid-19 and move through different phases, everyday physical activity is more important than ever to look after our physical and mental health. Whether it’s a bike ride at lunchtime, when you go to the shops or at the weekend with people in your household, cycling can really help you fit physical activity into the daily juggle.
“Workplaces, campuses, schools and social housing providers can play their part by working with Cycling Scotland and partners to provide cycle parking and make bikes available to more people. Everyone can help support each other through this terrible pandemic and cycling is a great way of clearing your head.”
Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said:“Walking is an easy way to reduce stress and anxiety and feel good in body and mind. Just a 30-minute daily walk is one of the best ways to look after your physical and mental health and, as it’s something we can do from our own front door.
“We’ve been gathering stories documenting how life-changing walking during lockdown has been for many. We’ve spoken to people whose anxiety has melted away thanks to walking. People living alone used walks to see others safely, and feel connected to their communities. Some used walking to have fun as a family, while others walked to relieve stress and enjoy some time away from desks and busy homes. We’ve genuinely discovered that whatever your situation – a walk can often help.”
For practical tips on keeping up good habits, visit clearyourhead.scot
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on future public spending decisions to protect equalities and human rights in Scotland is to be considered by a Holyrood Committee.
The Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights (EHRi) Committee has issued a call for views on the financial implications arising from Covid-19, including the impact on funding of third sector organisations which support people to be treated equally and to access their rights.
MSPs will focus on how inequalities highlighted by the public health emergency and the response to the crisis can be addressed in Scotland’s economic recovery.
The Committee also seeks views on what more can be done to ensure equalities and human rights are central to Scottish Government budget decisions.
Committee Convener, Ruth Maguire MSP, said: “As this committee’s on-going inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on equalities and human rights has shown, it is some of society’s most vulnerable groups who have experienced disproportionately negative effects as a result of the virus and as a consequence of the lockdown measures imposed.
“Covid-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities in Scotland, but it has also shown that positive outcomes can be achieved with targeted funding to support individuals and particular groups.
“Now that we are moving out of the crisis and restarting the economy, we want to hear how the pandemic has affected funding to support people to access their rights and ensure they are treated equally.
“We also want to explore how the Scottish Government considers equalities and human rights when it makes budget decisions. We want to know what actions should be taken and what data collected to make this happen more effectively, to address the unequal impact of Covid-19 on specific groups and tackle long-standing health and social inequalities in Scotland.”
The closing date for responses to the call for views is Friday 18 September 2020.
The Committee is are looking for information about the following questions:
1. Last year we were successful in getting the Scottish Government to commit to increasing the Equalities and Human Rights allocation to £30.2m. What is this extra money being used for and is it enough?
2. During last year’s budget scrutiny, we found that spending decisions were sometimes being made without due consideration to equality impact assessments. With unprecedented levels of grants being provided to the private and third sectors over the past six months in response to COVID 19, how confident is the third sector and other stakeholders that money is being committed only after due consideration is given to equality impacts?
3. In the Scottish Government’s response to the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, the Scottish Government has committed (p.69-70) to “recognise the necessity of embedding an Equalities and Human Rights approach across our policy thinking and development for economic recovery and renewal.” It has listed what it’s done so far to help meet this commitment and what it intends to do in the near future. What more should be done and how can the 2021-22 budget contribute?
“Plan your walk, walk your plan” is the message Sergeant Peter Lorain-Smith of Police Scotland’s Mountain Rescue Team wants to get out at this time.
Peter said: “If you are thinking of heading to our beautiful hills and mountains, it is important to be prepared by planning the route you are going to walk and having suitable equipment and clothing, as the weather up in the hills can change quickly.
“Unfortunately we have come across examples recently of walkers not being prepared for the walks that they are undertaking, including people being on the hills without maps, torches or basic survival gear, or the skills and knowledge to use them. The message remains simple – come to the hills and enjoy them, but be prepared for all eventualities and don’t go beyond your ability.
“We do not want to put anyone off enjoying the great outdoor activities we have here in Scotland but we would ask that people plan their routes, take sensible precautions and consider whether it is safe to climb a particular route. The environment of the Scottish mountains is by its very nature an unpredictable one and it is important that people take as many precautions and plan ahead as much as possible if they are going to go climbing.
“If you do find yourself in need of assistance in the mountains because of being lost or injured then please remember to phone 999 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue, you will be helped, but because of the COVID-19 restrictions and volume of calls, it may take longer than normal for us to get to you.
“It is also very important to have respect for the Outdoor Access Code, particularly as it relates to where and when not to park, on what can often be narrow and somewhat crowded roads at this time of year. Emergency vehicles can require access to almost anywhere and a badly parked vehicle could hinder emergency access. Use designated parking areas where possible.
Councillors have approved initial plans for delivering Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay differently this winter.
Thursday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee saw cross-party agreement for the proposals developed by the Council and event producers Underbelly to adapt this year’s festivals in light of COVID-19 and put ‘Edinburgh’s residents and businesses first’.
Further meetings for both events will now take place to refine plans and help to ensure Edinburgh’s place as the home of Hogmanay and world-class Christmas celebrations remains intact, before further details are launched later in the year.
The council insists the final go-ahead for events will remain subject to the latest public health guidance in Edinburgh.
Under the proposals Princes Street Gardens will continue to host the Big Wheel and Star Flyer and the much-criticised Christmas Market will also return, albeit with a renewed focus as the Edinburgh Chrsitmas Makers’ Market.
A City Centre Trail is alo being developed to ‘spread the footprint’ of events which previously have centred on East Princes Street Gardens
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We all agree that Edinburgh needs a very different approach to Christmas and Hogmanay this year. Safety absolutely needs to come first and I’m pleased that the proposal for lowering numbers and spreading activity so that we can continue to support local businesses has received cross-party support.
“These plans provide the people of Edinburgh with an enjoyable, fitting series of events to mark the end of what has been one of the most challenging years in living memory. There is a strong focus on support for local all-year-round business which will ensure that if events go ahead, our local traders will see even more benefit to help them survive and thrive.
“I can’t stress enough however that all plans will need to be subject to the latest public health guidance, and of course the continued containment of COVID-19 in Edinburgh, before we can say with certainty that these specific plans will take place.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “There is no question that we’ll have to adapt this year’s Winter Festivals and this report sets out how we intend to do that.
“We’ll be looking at dispersing the Christmas market from the City Centre and offering a special Torchlight event to thank key workers, and as far as we can we want to put on a programme we can all enjoy after a challenging year. Working with Underbelly, the city of Edinburgh will remain one of the world’s finest celebrations of Christmas and New Year.
“We’ll need to keep numbers lower but we also have an opportunity to spread activity further out to help support local businesses and communities. These events are so important for our local economy and we’ll use this winter as an opportunity to explore trying something new, using hardstanding surfaces wherever possible.
“We also need to make sure that at this critical time, when local businesses will need footfall more than ever, we put on a show which residents and visitors can really enjoy and come to, and that they are encouraged to support businesses while they’re here.”
Charlie Wood, a Director of Underbelly which produces Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events on behalf of the Council, said: “We’re delighted that the Council has reached a unanimous decision on the way forward for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay.
“As we move forward into detailed planning, our absolute priority will continue to be public safety and putting Edinburgh first.
“We look forward to developing and delivering the programme in collaboration with the Council and other key partners to retain the city’s global status as a destination for Christmas and Hogmanay.”
