Month: May 2021

From bare ground to buzzing: Barratt Homes Scotland and RSPB bring wildlife to your doorstep

·       Barratt Homes Scotland and the RSPB launch Nature on Your Doorstep, designed to help people turn their outdoor spaces into havens for themselves and wildlife.

·       A recent YouGov poll shows that two-thirds of the UK said that nature was a source of solace during the pandemic.

Barratt Homes Scotland and the RSPB have launched Nature on Your Doorstep, a project designed to inspire and advise everyone on how to turn their outdoor spaces into havens for wildlife – whether it be a garden, balcony, yard, or community green space.

This project comes after a year in lockdown caused many to rediscover and rejoice in their local nature. In 2020 alone over 1.7 million people sought advice from the RSPB website on how to make their garden more wildlife-friendly, and in January the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch saw a record-breaking one million people take part in counting the birds in their garden.

In a recent YouGov poll, two-thirds of people in the UK said nature was a source of solace during the pandemic, with more than half of those surveyed (51%) believing the pandemic has made them more aware of nature around them.

The importance of the outdoors to our health is reflected by the Mental Health Foundation choosing ‘Nature’ for the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week in recognition of how nature helped people through the pandemic.

From today, visitors to Nature on Your Doorstep will be able to access:

·       how-to gardening guides,

·       easy step-by-step videos,

·       seasonal gardening advice, and

·       an online community dedicated to bringing people together to ask questions, seek advice and share their successes (and learning experiences)

Already available are four of the ten ‘Wildlife Action’ articles and how-to videos from Adrian Thomas, the RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert.

The first two articles guide people through how to find their green fingers and the importance of water for wildlife. Visitors to the page will also be able to sign up to receive a monthly newsletter full of useful tips and tricks.

Over the next three years, the project will continue to grow into a go-to place for gardening for wildlife. The project will host everything from customisable content to seasonal advice across the four nations, as well as researching what drives or prevents people from welcoming wildlife to their outside spaces and investigating how to empower local communities to make shared spaces home for wildlife.

Adrian Thomas, the RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert, said: “Our local wildlife has been an incredible source of comfort over the past year of isolation and uncertainty, and we’re so thrilled to see people wanting to help nature in return.  With Nature on Your Doorstep, we want to provide a place for everyone to learn from each other, ask questions, and be inspired to do more.

“Gardens can provide a crucial lifeline for struggling species – familiar birds such as the house sparrow have seen their numbers halve in the last 40 years, while 28 species of urban butterflies are down 69% in three decades.

“But seven out of eight households in Britain have a garden, and that is a huge patchwork of potential homes for nature. To that hungry butterfly, or that weather-beaten bird looking for a place to roost, just one garden can make all the difference. If we all work together to transform our gardens, we can truly revive our world.”

Douglas McLeod, managing director at Barratt Homes Scotland, said: “We want to empower people to give nature a home, by creating an online community for them to learn and to share their experiences, giving them digital tools which they can then take into the garden to get their hands dirty. This is all about helping homeowners to turn their garden into havens for wildlife.”

The RSPB and Barratt Developments have been working together since 2014 to show how new homes can help nature and support wildlife. Their support has allowed the RSPB to breathe new life into its wildlife-friendly gardening work through the creation of Nature on Your Doorstep.

To turn your patch into paradise for you and your wildlife, please go to the RSPB website.

Cash boost for Glasgow Therapy Centre for Cerebral Palsy

A Glasgow charity which gives support to people living with cerebral palsy is to benefit from a cash boost gifted by a regional builder.

Cerebral Palsy Scotland has received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes West Scotland to continue to provide virtual, face-to-face and phone-based therapy sessions for people with cerebral palsy across Scotland.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by an injury to a child’s brain at or around the time of birth. CP affects a person’s ability to control their movement, posture and balance and one in three people with the condition are unable to walk. Other areas of function can also be affected. One in four are unable to talk and 50% have learning disabilities.  Many live with ongoing pain and epilepsy

The donation comes as part of the housebuilder’s Community Champions scheme, which will see a pot of £24,000 given out to local good causes throughout the region over the next 12 months.

Groups will be chosen every month to receive a match-funding donation with local community groups being encouraged to apply by completing an online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.



Susan Sheridan at Cerebral Palsy Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Persimmon Homes West Scotland have chosen to support us.  60% of the people we support have told us that COVID-19 restrictions have negatively impacted on their mental health and we are working hard to reach out to them however we can.

“The £1,000 donation will fund our CP Connect service phone calls for five months providing free therapy and support for children and their families living with cerebral palsy.”

Chris Logan, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said the community initiative was a way of supporting people across every city, town and village where the company works.

He said: “Cerebral Palsy Scotland make a huge difference to children and their families living with cerebral palsy and have found a way to support them despite the ongoing restrictions.  Their tenacity in raising funds and quality of their application gave them the edge when it came to choosing the good causes to support but it is always a difficult choice.

“We now want to hear from more groups and charities as we look to allocate more funding over the next month.  All we ask is that the group or charity has already worked hard to raise money themselves, and we will then match this effort with funding of up to £1,000.”

To find out more about Persimmon Homes development in Glasgow including The Boulevard, located just south of the city centre, Greenlees and Castle Gardens in Cambuslang, Sycamore Park in Darnley, or to apply for funding, visit:

www.persimmonhomes.com

‘Green’ car sales boom in difficult market says government report

Ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) registrations shot-up by 125% during 2020 compared to the year before, according to new figures from the Department for Transport.

There was more good news for ULEV manufacturers, with registrations speeding-up over the course of year, which helped put 179,000 registered cars on the road by the end of 2020.

After ULEVs, alternative fuel cars enjoyed 87% growth, with 338,000 vehicles being registered for the first time. Hybrid Electrics also proved popular as did Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) with 164,000 and 107,000 new registrations respectively. Tesla’s BEV Model 3 was the best-selling green car with over 22,000.

The growing popularity of greener cars was in contrast with the total vehicle registrations dropping 27% in 2020 compared to 2019. Diesel vehicles were particularly badly hit, down 51.

Britain’s favourite motor, the Ford Fiesta, shelved diesel altogether last year, although 47,600 new petrol versions were sold as the company introduced emission cutting technology.

With car showrooms closed for large parts of the year, the industry found new ways to fight back, with the introduction of click and collect technology to boost lockdown sales.

Greg Wilson, Founder of motoring and electric car insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk comments: “The car industry has had significant challenges, suffering dampened sales last year with lockdown closing showrooms, logistical complications with travel restrictions and the looming economic uncertainty making customers hesitant.

“The good news is restrictions are being lifted and there is plenty of enthusiasm for greener cars which made-up a remarkable number of new registrations in 2020.

“A growing number of high-end electric vehicles are rolling off the production line now, and high-end motors almost always cost more to insure. In addition, the spare parts for some types of electric vehicles can be harder to source at present, and mechanics that specialise in electric vehicles can be harder to find, two factors that insurers may well factor into their premiums for electric car insurance.

“Still, as electric cars become more mainstream and a growing number of insurance providers enter the electric car insurance market, we expect the average cost of insuring electric cars to fall steadily – both for consumers who are keen to invest in a more environmentally friendly motor for their family, and for businesses who decide to invest in a more sustainable ‘green fleet’.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year and are recommended by 97% of reviewers, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products including niche products such as over 70s car insurance, young driver and black box insurance. 

Alternative fuel type vehicles as explained by the Department for Transport:

  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) that are too high-emitting to count as ULEVs, e.g. Toyota Yaris HEV.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) that are too high-emitting to count as ULEVs, e.g. BMW X5 PHEV.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (R-EEVs), e.g. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BMW I3S REX respectively.
  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), e.g. Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Nissan e-NV200 (van).
  • Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) that use hydrogen, e.g. Toyota Mirai or Hyundai IX35.
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) that are low-emitting, e.g. a series of Toyota Prius HEV in 2016/17

World first youth dedicated Smart Village has launched in Scotland

A partnership between the Rural Youth Project and Smart Village Scotland has witnessed the successful launch of a pioneering, youth-centric Smart Village which will champion young people to collaboratively build vibrant, creative, and sustainable rural economies in the places they call home. 

Rebecca Dawes, Director of the Rural Youth Project said: “Smart Villages are a concept driven by the European Network for Rural Development – essentially digital rural ‘villages’ that combine physical and digital communities to improve their resilience, building on local strengths and opportunities.

“As such, the Rural Youth Project Smart Village now functions as a space where young people across Scotland can access helpful resources, connect with others, uncover employment and volunteering vacancies, as well as having their voices heard.”

The platform, which is exclusively dedicated to tackling issues facing rural young people, is funded by LEADER (‘Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale’.  Attending the launch was Jackie Brierton, who spoke on behalf of the programme which is committedto funding rural development efforts.

Ms Brierton emphasised the programme’s delight at supporting such an initiative, especially since young people have been so disproportionately affected throughout the pandemic: “The Rural Youth Project Smart Village fulfils all of the requirements we look for when considering funding. It has certainly been community-led; it has been a brilliant example of cooperation; and it is absolutely about innovation. It is truly pioneering.”

The Rural Youth Project Smart Village content has been developed by young people themselves, based on their needs and conversations with other young people in their wider networks and communities. Representing the group of 15 ‘Digital Champions’ who designed and populated the website, Amber Maslen first highlighted the unique and often challenging position youngsters with rural backgrounds are in:

“It has been super inspiring to be part of a group of people who all want the same thing, and to be working to combat the gaps in information that have, in the past, made it difficult to be a young person in rural Scotland looking to start a business or a career.

“We decided on the areas that would be most valuable to our peers, professionally and personally, before cultivating resources that would inspire, educate, and make life seems slightly less overwhelming.”

Rebecca Dawes added: “The launch of the Rural Youth Project Smart Village is a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals and groups come together for greater good and has come at a time when collaboration and support are more important to rural life than ever before.

“Whether you are a young person keen to set up your own profile, an organisation looking to share opportunities on the site, or a business with an exciting story to tell, the extensive and unique display of features provide means for wide-ranging rural success.”

The Smart Village was developed by Hi-Create and in partnership with Smart Village Scotland.

To join the growing network, head to https://rypsv.com.

National charity opens for New Writers Awards submissions

“The award was the most important turning point in my career”

Scottish Book Trust has opened for applications for the New Writers Awards 2022.

Each year the national charity champions a group of emerging writers, providing them with the time and support they need to take their writing to the next level.

A number of New Writers Awardees have been published by major houses including HarperCollins, Simon and Schuster, Harvill Secker, Atlantic Books, Vintage Books and Sandstone Press. Awardees have also been shortlisted for prestigious awards, including The Booker Prizes.

The New Writers Awards are run by Scottish Book Trust in association with Creative Scotland, and each year they provide unpublished writers with financial support to enable them to concentrate on developing their work, as well as professional guidance to help them move towards publication. The awards are free to apply to, with travel expenses covered and awardees are chosen by an independent panel of judges.

Since 2009, the awards have helped to nurture writers such as Helen Sedgwick, who went onto become a bestselling author with her debut novel The Comet Seekers (Harvill Secker) in 2016. It was selected as Book of the Year by the Herald and Glamour Magazine and her second novel The Growing Season was shortlisted for the Saltire Society’s Fiction Book of the Year. The latest instalment in her new crime series, Where the Missing Gather (Oneworld) will be released this June.

Helen Sedgwick, author and former New Writer Awardee, said: “The New Writers Award was the most important turning point in my career, and it comes with the kind of wide-ranging and long-lasting support that can be life changing.

“From that first opportunity to join a community of writers, to professional advice, writing retreats, training, publicity, live events and even voice coaching, Scottish Book Trust has been an invaluable part of building my confidence and career over the past decade. I encourage everyone to apply!”

Scottish Book Trust also provides an Access Fund as part of the New Writers Awards, to help support awardees with any barriers they may face. The programme is flexible and the charity works closely with awardees to help them participate as fully as possible.

Support might include help with childcare costs, accommodation or equipment. Scottish Book Trust welcomes and supports writers who are carers, unemployed or unable to work for health reasons or who face any other barriers.

The Awards will run from January 2022 – January 2023. During the programme, awardees receive:

  • A £2,000 cash award to support their writing in whatever ways suit best
  • Tailored creative development opportunities, which can include mentoring from established writers and industry professionals
  • Press and marketing, social media, performance and presentation training
  • The opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents
  • A retreat offering time, space and the freedom to create new work in idyllic surroundings with flexible structure based on each awardees needs (subject to circumstances and dependent on any applicable travel restrictions)
  • A year’s free membership to the Society of Authors and a bespoke training session for awardees on contracts and rights
  • The chance to meet and engage with a group of writing peers

There are three categories: Fiction and Narrative Non-Fiction (also known as creative non-fiction), Poetry and Children’s and Young Adult Fiction. Applications may only submit to one category per year. Entries are invited in English, Scots and a combination of both.

There are also two awards for Gaelic writers, run in association with the Gaelic Books Council. There is a separate application form for writers interested in applying for a Gaelic award.

Also this year, the Callan Gordon Award is open for applications for young writers aged 18 to 35. Entries are invited in English, Scots and a combination of both. One award is given every two years, for writers of short stories or poetry. The award is in memory of Callan, a young Scottish writer who took his life ten years ago.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “A New Writers Award is often the beginning of an exciting journey for those seeking publication.

“At Scottish Book Trust, we are proud to offer support and opportunities to our awardees and continue to champion their work as they develop and grow. We look forward to receiving submissions from all across Scotland, and across genres from children’s fiction to poetry.”

Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing, Creative Scotland, said: “The New Writers Awards have been the first major step for many Scottish authors and poets – those whose work is now enjoyed and respected well beyond our borders, securing industry traction with major publishers and appearing on awards shortlists.

“The programme not only develops the creative practice of these writers, but also their professional profile. Creative Scotland is delighted to be associated with a programme that supports and mentors these new and exciting literary voices and helps bring their work to readers.”

Tim Craven, New Writer Awardee 2021 said: “Having my work recognised in the form of a New Writers Award was a wonderful, motivating fillip. The staff at Scottish Book Trust are the warmest people, all of whom are absolutely focused on ensuring my writing realises its full potential by removing barriers and facilitating a programme packed full of opportunities.

“I’m incredibly grateful for being invited into this community of dedicated readers and talented writers, and I’m certain the experiences provided to me by the New Writers Award will have a lasting impact on my work.”

The full eligibility criteria and application for the New Writers Awards is available on Scottish Book Trust’s website.

The New Writers Awards 2021 Digital Showcase is now available to watch here.

Morrisons £4 Soave beats off the competition at IWC

– Morrisons has scooped a silver prize at the International Wine Challenge for its own brand Soave 2020 –

– The £4.25 Italian white also took home a Great Value Award –

– Morrisons The Best Amarone 2017 was awarded a Gold medal –

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Morrisons Soave 2020 has triumphed at the annual International Wine Challenge, being awarded an impressive 92 points, a Silver medal and a Great Value White under £8 Award.

This put it ahead of iconic wine of the region, Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico; which, at £30 a bottle is more than six times the price of Morrisons £4.25 offering.

The International Wine Challenge sees thousands of wines from all over the world blind tasted by a panel of experts. The judges’ tasting notes described the wine as ‘Lemon sherbet and cream on rose. Textured, round and soft with great balance and subtle yet lingering flavours on the finish.’ 

Overall, the supermarket took home one Gold, 20 Silvers, 49 Bronzes and 33 ‘Commended’s.

The Gold was awarded to The Best Amarone 2017 (following a Gold at last year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition), while other highlights included a Silver for The Best Cremant de Limoux which is currently on offer for just £10 down from £12 (until 1st June).

Three brand new additions to the range – The Best Vinho Verde, The Best Gavi di Gavi and The Best Alto Adige Pinot Grigio – won Bronze medals before they even launched in stores. 

Mark Jarman, Head of Wine Sourcing at Morrisons said: “At Morrisons we pride ourselves on offering our customers fantastic quality wines for affordable prices.

“The Silver award given to our own-brand Soave exemplifies this; it may have a small price tag, but the judges still appreciated its balance, distinctive nose and lasting finish. We’re delighted that so many of our wines have been recognised at this year’s competition.” 

Morrisons Soave 2020 is available in stores and online now for £4.25.

Other award winners include:

  • Morrisons The Best Cremant de Limoux – £12 (down to £10 until 1st June)
  • Morrisons The Best Vinho Verde – £8.75 (down to £6 until 13th June)
  • Morrisons The Best Gavi di Gavi – launching soon
  • Morrisons The Best Alto Adige Pinot Grigio – launching soon

Trinity cook’s lamb is back on the menu at Edinburgh schools

Pupils at schools across the City of Edinburgh Council region will be able to enjoy a new lamb based dish from this month as the Scotch red meat makes a welcome return to school canteens.

Owen McLeod, Catering Manager at Trinity Academy, first crafted his Spring Scotch Lamb PGI koftas with a rainbow rice pot for the School Cook of the Year Competition in 2019 and the dish proved so popular it has made its way onto school lunch menus across the capital.

The City of Edinburgh Council already uses Scotch Beef PGI in its red meat dishes and the introduction of Scotch Lamb will for many pupils be the first time they experience the quality and taste of this type of red meat, not least from their school cafeterias.

Campbells Prime Meat at The Heatherfield near Linlithgow is the district’s regular supplier and will be providing the Scotch Lamb which is sourced from trusted Scottish farms that adhere to the highest animal welfare and quality production methods.

Cllr Ian Perry, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We are big believers in education through food and using it as an opportunity for pupils to try new flavours and styles of dishes that take expression from different cultures, so we thank Owen for inspiring our new Scotch Lamb dish for schools.

“We hope this will be the first of many and we look forward to continuing to provide high quality school meals to pupils throughout Edinburgh.”

Iain Brown, Director at Campbells Prime Meat, said: “We enjoy a fantastic working relationship with the catering teams across the City of Edinburgh Council region and are delighted to be expanding our partnership with them so they can offer Scotch Lamb in schools again.

“We take huge pride in only sourcing top quality red meat from local Scottish farms so it’s great to work with a schoolboard that values giving their pupils the best produce available.”

Lesley Cameron, Director of Marketing and Communications at Quality Meat Scotland, the industry body that promotes Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI, added: “It’s vitally important for children and young people to gain exposure to top quality, locally sourced ingredients at every stage of their development.

“Not only can it teach them the importance of supporting Scotland’s butchers and farmers, the way they are used can educate them about different cultures and tastes, as well as the nutritional value of meat in the diet.

“We are thrilled to see these two partners working hard to show Edinburgh school pupils the quality, provenance and depth of flavour found in Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.”

For more information about Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork, visit https://www.scotchkitchen.com/

Lifecare Monthly History Talk: The Shops of Stockbridge

May is Local and Community History Month so come along to LifeCare’s History talk on Tuesday 25th May at 3pm, taking place using Zoom.

We will be taking a look at the Shops of Stockbridge, past and present with Mhairi Curran.

For more information, contact our Community Engagement Facilitator Aleks, to reserve your space: alekspacula@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or call 0131 343 0940

The Edinburgh Guarantee: ‘A better future for everyone’

Capital’s employability commitment hits 10 year milestone

Edinburgh’s youth employability commitment, the Edinburgh Guarantee, marks a decade while expanding its support to help people of all ages and backgrounds:

Celebrating its 10th year, the Edinburgh Guarantee, originally the Capital’s youth employability commitment, is expanding to help people of all ages access fair work, training and employment opportunities with a new look website launched today by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Recognising the impact the pandemic has had on businesses and training providers, and the ripple effect this has on people’s prospects, there will also be a particular focus on those facing additional barriers to employment with the overall aim to give equal access to job and education opportunities.

The website will be a one stop shop to connect and sign up employers across the city, while offering people a quick and easy access point to job boards, information on training opportunities and additional support routes available.

Under the banner of the Edinburgh Guarantee there are many recognised and successful employability programmes and initiatives including JET Academy, Edinburgh Project SEARCH and at national level the Young Persons Guarantee. Jobseekers also have access to a number of projects that offer free advice and ongoing support including Next Step Edinburgh, All in Edinburgh and Encompass.

Through the Edinburgh Guarantee team and network of employability partners, employers are incentivised to get involved by getting access to additional recruitment support, information on possible funding available and ongoing assistance for their business and new hires where required. All of this makes it easy and rewarding for employers to pledge their support.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “The Edinburgh Guarantee is rooted in the principal that everyone should have the opportunity to work, and access to training and skills development, and that everyone who is able to can be part of our city’s recovery. And that by working together, we can create those opportunities and a better future for everyone.

“Now in its 10th year, the Edinburgh Guarantee has been a great success helping so many young people move into fair work or gain the education and training that they deserve. We’re now widening this commitment to include people of all ages and backgrounds which clearly shows our intention to make sure no one is left behind as a result of this pandemic. 

“It’s been great to hear how so many organisations across all sizes and sectors are able to play their part. Longstanding lead employers such as Standard Life Aberdeen, NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council, have paved the way for us to get to where we are today.

“And it is exciting to see that network grow to welcome new and smaller organisations and businesses like Basketball Scotland, JAD Joinery and The Wee Book Company – a small business that recently added to its workforce with a new recruit, made possible through Edinburgh’s Employer Recruitment Incentive, which is a funding package for private SMEs and third sector organisations to help fill vacancies and create new and additional jobs.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener, said: “On this 10 year anniversary of the Edinburgh Guarantee I’d like to thank those employers that have been with us since the start and led the way for other businesses and organisations by demonstrating the benefits of getting involved over the last decade.

“We’ve recognised that the end of the furlough scheme will have serious implications and most likely further increase the levels of unemployment across Scotland, so we’re working hard to support and incentivise employers to play a part in the city’s recovery – such as helping smaller supporters access funding to help them to get involved.

“Over the past year we’ve spoken to business owners and employers from across all sectors, gaining valuable insight into the key implications of the pandemic on their industry. This has given us an overview of those who are currently able to offer opportunities as well as those who we may be able to support as we begin to move into the recovery period.”

Edinburgh Guarantee, The Wee Book Company

Gavin Keddie, Publishing Assistant at The Wee Book Company was recruited thanks to the Edinburgh’s Employer Recruitment Incentive

The Wee Book Company, a new publishing business in the city, became aware of Edinburgh’s Employer Recruitment Incentives and as part of the Edinburgh Guarantee offer, employers who recruit someone with barriers to employment can secure up to £6,000 to help with the costs.

With the funding available to them they have been able to create a Publishing Assistant post for Gavin Keddie which he started in March 2021.

Andrew McAllister, Head of Sales at The Wee Book Company, said: “As a small business, the Edinburgh Guarantee has literally made the difference in us being able to give Gavin an opportunity, who has been a revelation. In a matter of only a few weeks he has been really helpful to the development of our publishing business.

“Gavin has come in and we have been really impressed with his commitment, effort and excellent knowledge of modern technology. As a result of being made aware of Gavin’s Aspergers condition, we were able to recognise that he had great talent, but during the interview was a little shy and reserved and was definitely very modest about his previous achievements including the fact that he has been successfully published and written at least five books to date.”

Young business people are discussing together a new startup project. A glowing light bulb as a new idea.

Established in 2011 to address the needs of school leavers who were unable to move into a positive destination following the last economic downturn, the Edinburgh Guarantee has since worked with over 550 employers to get over 3,500 young people into apprenticeships or training opportunities. 

Many partners have come together to support this initiative’s continued success including colleges, voluntary sector organisations and national programmes, while also making it easy and rewarding for private sector businesses and organisations to play their part in helping people across the city.

Scottish Cabinet announced

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her new Cabinet line-up following the recent election.

Following the reappointment yesterday (18 May) of John Swinney as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery, taking responsibility for driving cross-government action on Covid Recovery, the rest of the top tier ministerial appointments have been confirmed.

The First Minister said: “I’m delighted to announce the Scottish Government’s new Cabinet team. Scotland needs a serious Government for the serious times we face as a nation, and in the top level ministerial line-up I have announced today we have exactly that.

“It is a Government which will drive Scotland forward, as we look to build a just, fair and sustainable recovery from the Covid pandemic.

“My Cabinet team combines experience with new arrivals and fresh faces, giving us the range and depth of talent we need to tackle the pressing issues we need to tackle, from covid to climate change.

“This term of office is unquestionably the most important one the nation has faced since devolution, more than 20 years ago. We are dealing with the joint challenges of a global pandemic and recovery from it, the ongoing tests posed by Brexit and the urgent, pressing need to take forward our net zero agenda as part of the global efforts to secure a greener future.

“The magnitude of these challenges is clear, but now is not a moment to shirk from those tasks but to embrace them. In the next five years, we have a chance to shape Scotland permanently for the better, creating a healthier, happier, fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable country for everyone who calls Scotland home, establishing a positive legacy for future generations.

“The immediate challenge is the focus on recovery and the part that all policy portfolios can play in that. But, as I have made clear, when the crisis is over and the time is right, Scotland must and will have the chance to choose its future in line with the unquestionable democratic mandate for that choice.”  

Kate Forbes takes on an expanded brief as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, including responsibility for the Scottish Budget, fiscal policy and taxation, economic strategy, the wellbeing economy, trade and inward investment, city and regional growth deals, enterprise and the digital economy.

Humza Yousaf becomes Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, with responsibility for the NHS, including ongoing health service remobilisation as we move out of the pandemic. Mr Yousaf’s portfolio will also cover the establishment of the National Care Service.

Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, taking forward work on Covid recovery within the education system, as well as continuing the Government’s mission to further close the attainment gap.

Michael Matheson takes on a new role as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport. The portfolio brings together cross government responsibility for coordination of Net Zero policy, encompassing transport, environmental protection, energy and COP26 delivery.

Keith Brown becomes the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice, with responsibility for reform of the justice system as well as work to reduce reoffending.

Shona Robison is appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, tasked with reducing child poverty as well as work to deliver 100,000 affordable homes.  

Mairi Gougeon becomes Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands. The post includes responsibility for agriculture, food and drink policy, fisheries and aquaculture as well as cross-government coordination of policies for island communities.

Angus Robertson is appointed as Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. The portfolio covers constitutional policy, cross-government coordination of European and wider external relations, including post-Brexit relations.

The First Minister completed the line-up of the refreshed Government team when appointments to junior ministerial roles were announced.

The remaining junior appointments were as follows:

  • Richard Lochhead, who was minister for further and higher education, is minister for just transition, employment and fair work
  • Maree Todd, who was children’s minister, becomes minister for public health, women’s health and sport
  • Kevin Stewart is moved from housing to minister for mental wellbeing and social care
  • Clare Haughey, previously mental health minister, is minister for children and young people
  • Jamie Hepburn is moved from business minister to further and higher education
  • Graeme Dey, who had been veterans minister and parliamentary business minister, is transport minister
  • Ben MacPherson, who was rural affairs and environment minister, is social security and local government
  • Angela Constance remains as drugs minister
  • Ivan McKee remains as trade minister
  • Ash Denham remains community safety minister
  • Christina McKelvie remains minister for equalities and older people
  • Jenny Gilruth remains minister for Europe and international development.