Day: June 26, 2021

An invitation to the first meeting of the Underground Whisky Club!

Go underground to taste the history of Scotland’s national drink

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland and whisky brand The Glenlivet – two organisations with a long history – have joined forces for a special online event on 1 July.

Inspired by the stories of illicit whisky production in Scotland’s past, the first ever meeting of the Underground Whisky Club will give connoisseurs a taste of the rich history and heritage of the spirit which is synonymous with Scotland.

The event is the latest element of the Pioneering Spirit project which launched last summer. Led by the Trust’s expert archaeologist team, it aims to uncover the hidden stories of whisky production at Trust properties across the Highlands and beyond. Supported by The Glenlivet, the work has, so far included drone surveys of sites in Torridon and on the Mar Lodge Estate and digs in both locations too.

Head of Archaeology Derek Alexander will give attendees the first taste of the discoveries so far at the free event which runs on Thursday 1 July from 7 – 8.30pm.

For more info and booking, visit www.nts.org.uk/pioneering-spirit .

Derek said: “We know how many people love whisky, and love our places – it’s the perfect blend and we hope lots of people will join us for the first ever meeting of the Underground Whisky Club.”

It will also be the first opportunity to see and hear new artistic commissions inspired by Scotland’s history and the illicit whisky trade.

Featured artists include Alison Irvine, a novelist and creative non-fiction writer; Kevin Andrew Morris, an Aberdeen-based ceramicist; Michael Begg, an award-winning composer and sound artist; and Natalie Feather, a photographic artist.

Action Meso Day

Action Mesothelioma Day (Action Meso Day), an annual event to raise awareness of mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos, will this year be a virtual event hosted by broadcaster, academic, and mesothelioma patient, Kate Williams.

The UK has the world’s highest incidence of mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, with more than 2,700 people diagnosed each year. Over 1600 schools in Scotland contain asbestos.

Hosted by the UK Mesothelioma Alliance (UKMA) as part of its ActionMeso campaign, the event will be held from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Friday 2 July.

It will include panel discussions, clinical trials updates, expert insights and patient stories for anyone affected by mesothelioma. ActionMeso supporters, including support groups and charities in Scotland, will be hosting their own activities before or after the main event.

Patients, family members, friends, carers, local dignitaries, healthcare professionals, asbestos removal companies, law firms and anyone interested in mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos are invited to join the event.

Registration is free at www.actionmeso.org/amd21 and the hashtag #ActionMeso will be used on social media platforms.

Kate Williams, broadcaster, academic, mesothelioma patient and host for the national event, said: “I was honoured to be asked to host Action Meso Day 2021. As a peritoneal mesothelioma patient myself, I am all too aware of the importance of raising awareness of the disease and the dangers of asbestos.

“This is a chance to hear from people directly affected by this cancer and along with other patients, I will be sharing my story. We’ll also be learning about the latest in treatment and care from healthcare professionals.

“Events like this and the #ActionMeso campaign are vital if we are to see companies and the government take action and prevent other families being affected by this disease.”

Phyllis Craig MBE, Director of Action on Asbestos said, “Our charity is proud to be part of an initiative that brings people together to raise awareness that mesothelioma is a preventable condition.

“Being a charity that covers the whole of Scotland we know only too well the devastation that is caused to those diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families, especially when this condition is caused through no fault of their own.

“The fact that asbestos remains in over 1600 schools in Scotland is terrifying, because this means that we may continue to see more people being diagnosed with mesothelioma in another 20 to 30 years. If we stand united, we can eradicate asbestos from all public buildings and safeguard our future – our children.”

Statistics show that 94 per cent of mesothelioma cases in the UK are caused by workplace exposures and are preventable.

ActionMeso is campaigning to promote the Mesothelioma Patient Charter to employers, healthcare providers and politicians in all the nations of the United Kingdom, which sets out the action needed to prevent this disease and ensure more families do not suffer.

“We want you to stay”

DEADLINE for the EU settlement scheme is 30 June 2021

The UK Government is jeopardising EU citizens’ right to stay in Scotland by failing to extend the deadline for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) the First Minister has said.  

The deadline for applications is currently 30 June, but the Scottish Government has argued for this to be extended to give those who have not yet applied more time. 

A backlog of almost 350,000 applications by EU citizens who wish to stay in the UK is also still waiting to be addressed by the Home Office.

The First Minister reiterated calls to reform the EU Settlement Scheme after hearing from EU citizens in Edinburgh who received help with their applications to the scheme from two charities, and urged anyone who has not submitted their application to do so as soon as possible before the deadline. 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1405593607353081864

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Five years ago the people of Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU but today we find ourselves subject to a damaging, hard Brexit.

“This will have been a particularly difficult time for EU citizens who have made Scotland their home but who have been forced by the UK Government to apply to stay here.

“They have friends, families, careers and communities that are dear to them and that they are dear to. I can barely begin to imagine the anxiety and stress they have suffered – indeed many continue to suffer – as they wait to be told whether or not their right to all of that will be removed.

“The UK Government’s refusal to listen to our call to extend the deadline is unacceptable and means all EU citizens must urgently apply for settled status if they have not already done so.

“I am hugely grateful to those providing free support to EU citizens with the application process, here at St Margaret’s House and across Scotland. To all EU citizens my message is this – ‘Scotland is a better country because you are here. You are part of us and we badly want you to stay’.”

While at St Margaret’s House, the First Minister met Virginia Zamojski and Bernadeta Żynda who have been helped by Feniks and Citizens’ Rights Project with their applications for Settled Status.

Virginia, an NHS worker, has lived in Scotland for 27 years yet her application for Settled Status is still outstanding. 

She said: “I came to Feniks for help, because I need to apply for my settled status through a special form for people without a valid form of ID. Filling it in made me very nervous. 

“I have lived in the UK since I was three. I am now an NHS key worker, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic I was needed at work and could not travel to renew my passport. The German embassy was also overwhelmed. 

“Now my application for Settled Status is ongoing and I really hope everything will be sorted out in time as Scotland is my true home – I have no one in Germany.”

Bernadeta, who has lived in the UK for over 10 years and successfully applied for Settled Status with the help of Feniks, said: “I moved to the UK over 10 years ago to join my family and look after my grandchildren upon my retirement in Poland.

“As I never worked in the UK, I had to provide additional proof of my residency, which was difficult as I needed to obtain official letters from the bank or other institutions and I didn’t feel confident enough to contact them as my English was not good enough. 

“Dorota from Feniks showed a lot of patience and understanding and helped me gather additional evidence, which meant I successfully received my Settled Status.”

The deadline for the EU settlement scheme is 30 June 2021.

Get support to apply now at http://mygov.scot/stayinscotland.

#StayInScotland

#WeAreScotland

One in 12 key workers do not qualify for statutory sick pay

  • A third of key workers (33%) say they do not get full sick pay
  • A quarter of key workers (24%) say they get only £96pw statutory sick pay
  • Extending sick pay protection to all workers would cost the same as just 1% of the test and trace budget

New analysis published by the TUC shows that one in 12 key workers (788,000 people) do not qualify for statutory sick pay (SSP) – despite many of them being at greater risk from Covid-19 due to the frontline nature of their job.

The analysis uses the same definition of key worker as government. It finds that those excluded from SSP include more than a quarter of cleaners (27%) and retail workers (26%); nearly one in 10 teaching assistants (9%); and over one in 20 care workers (6%).

Additional figures from polling for the TUC by BritainThinks show that, for those who self-identify as key workers in the context of the Covid pandemic, a third (33%) report getting less than full sick pay (below their usual rate of pay); and a quarter (24%) report getting only the minimal protection of SSP at just £96 per week.

The TUC is calling for sick pay to be reformed so that:

  • The lower earnings limit rule is removed, allowing the lowest paid workers to qualify for statutory sick pay for the first time
  • The rate of SSP is raised to at least the level of the real living wage (£330 per week).

Research commissioned by the TUC from the Fabian Society shows that the cost of raising SSP to the equivalent of the real Living Wage for employers without an occupational sick pay scheme would be around £110 per employee per year – or just over £2 a week.

The research also shows that removing the lower earnings limit, which prevents those on low earnings from accessing statutory sick pay, would cost employers a maximum of £150m a year. And it would cost the government less than one per cent of the test and trace scheme to support employers with this cost.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Nobody should have to choose between going into work if they’re sick or should be self-isolating, or doing the right thing by staying home, but facing hardship as a result. But that’s the choice facing many key workers who kept the country going during the pandemic.

“Our key workers deserve the dignity, security and safety of proper sick pay and a decent pay rise too. They have earned it, often in frontline jobs with much greater risk of infection than those who could work from home.

“The cost of fixing the UK’s broken sick pay system is small compared to other public health measures like test and trace. Ministers must urgently make every worker eligible for statutory sick pay. And it should be worth at least as much as the real Living Wage.”

The Fabian Society report Statutory Sick Pay: Options for reform is available here:

 https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/SSPreport.pdf

Scottish Munro record holder, Donnie Campbell, joins Venture Trust as new ambassador

Venture Trust is delighted to announce Donnie Campbell as our latest ambassador. 

Donnie is the record holder for a complete round of all 282 Scottish Munro’s in 31 days and is one of Scotland’s top running coaches. His main sport is ultra mountain running and has won races all over the world, representing team GB at the world trail running championships and also running across the Namib desert in 9 days. 

Donnie has an incredible amount of motivation, stamina and self-belief and he wants to push others to be the best they can be. 

Mike Strang, Interm CEO at Venture Trust, said: “Donnie is a shining example of what hard work, motivation and self-belief can achieve. As an ex-marine turned ultra-mountain runner, Donnie is well placed to inspire the people we work with who may not have had the best start in life. We are delighted to have Donnie on board. 

“Donnie’s appointment is particularly timely as we recently launched an Outdoor Therapy service which specifically provides mental health support to veterans struggling with their transitioning to civilian life and looking for new goals and aspirations.” 

At Venture Trust, we work with people to gain the life skills, stability and confidence needed to reach their potential.

Through person-centred support in communities and experiential learning in the Scottish outdoors we challenge individuals to reflect on beliefs, attitudes and behaviours so they can unlock skills and learn new, more positive, ways of approaching situations. 

By adapting to environments like the outdoors, people we work with increase resilience, develop understanding of how to interact others, and improve impulse control in challenging situations. We have personal development programmes for young people, those involved in criminal justice and ex-service personnel struggling with civilian life.  

Donnie is an inspiration to those facing and overcoming challenging circumstances and shares the belief that we can build skills through new experiences in the outdoors and getting out of our comfort zone. 

Donnie says: “My achievements are about building mental stamina as much as physical stamina; once you reach difficult circumstances, you know you have been through it before, and you can get through it again. 

“The circumstances I’ve faced in life might be different, but by offering the right support and opportunities to learn out in the wild, I believe everyone working with Venture Trust has the chance to rise from their challenges and become the best version of themselves”.   

Growing up in the Isle of Skye, Donnie is used to being in the countryside and surrounded by nature. He joined the Royal Marine Commando at age 17 and went to Iraq at age 18, facing many challenges at a young age. Donnie left the marines to study Sports Coaching and Development and wanted to use his enthusiasm and coaching skills to encourage other people to reach their goals.  

Mike concludes: “We are really excited about working with Donnie and hope that together we can really inspire people to try new experiences, especially in the outdoors, and push themselves to achieve their goals and reach their potential”.  

Five city schools recognised with Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, is delighted to award five schools in Edinburgh City with an Eco-Schools Green Flag.

The international award recognises nurseries and schools which have demonstrated a commitment to the Eco-Schools Scotland programme and over two years have engaged their whole school community in local environmental action.

The five schools are: Brunstane Primary School (which has held a Green Flag since 2016), Liberton Nursery (which has held a Green Flag since 2011), Carrick Knowe Primary School (which has held a Green Flag since 2007), St John’s Primary School (which has held a Green Flag since 2013) and George Heriot’s Junior (a Green Flag school since 2007).

Brunstane Primary School was recognised for carrying out regular community litter picks and forming a pupil parliament group to address road safety concerns near the school. 

Children at Liberton Nursery carried out regular litter picks in the woods where they have nature play time, recorded types of litter in a survey and carried out extensive work on biodiversity. 

Pupils at St. John’s Primary School carried out an anti-litter poster campaign and whole school assembly and organised regular litter picks in a new park near the school ensuring it stays clean and welcoming. They also worked with the Woodland Trust to plant native trees around the school. 

At Carrick Knowe Primary School, pupils organised litter picks with every year group, and ran class workshops on single use plastics.

George Heriot’s pupils increased the effectiveness of the school’s recycling and explored possibilities of hosting renewable energy sources at the school.

Through the Eco-Schools Scotland programme, Keep Scotland Beautiful aims to make environmental awareness and action to tackle climate change an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of schools, for both pupils and for staff. 

The programme provides a framework to engage the wider school community in action and support aligned with the purposes of Curriculum for Excellence and Learning for Sustainability.

To complete the Green Flag journey each school has a choice of ten topics to engage with, from food and the environment, to litter, to energy. The schools also choose one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to link their Eco-Schools work to.

Barry Fisher, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Congratulations to the Eco-Committee, pupils and staff at each of these schools, who have worked so hard schools, who have worked so hard to achieve their Green Flag Award, particularly during a time of unprecedented adjustment and change to education caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. 

“This is a great achievement and testament to the resilience and creativity of both pupils and educators.

“Keep Scotland Beautiful is committed to supporting all our children and young people to develop the capacities, skills and attributes required to protect our planet for the future.”

More information about the world’s largest sustainable schools programme and Eco-Schools Scotland can be found at:  

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/eco-schools

MSP encourages over-18s to register for vaccine via portal

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon MacDonald, is urging everyone aged 18 and over, who has not received a first coronavirus (COVID-19)vaccination appointment or has missed their first dose for any reason, to sign up to the self registration portal from Monday (28 June 2021).  

The portal will be open from 8am on Monday 28 June until the initial vaccination programme ends in September. The online system, which was used successfully to encourage unpaid carers and 18-29 year olds to come forward, will be available to every adult in Scotland. Those who sign up will receive a text or email with details of their appointment which they can change if the time or location is unsuitable.

SNP MSP, Gordon MacDonald said: “The roll-out and high take up of the vaccine has been brilliant. I thank everyone who have worked so hard on to make it the success that it is and every single person who has went along to their appointment.

“This new portal will make sure that as many adults as possible in Scotland receive the vaccine as quickly as possible – no matter if you’ve just arrived in Scotland, are not registered with a GP or you don’t have an up-to-date home address.

“It’s clear from the evidence that vaccination is helping protect people from serious health harms and it is vaccine which offers us the best route out of this pandemic.

“I urge everyone to take the opportunity to protect themselves, their families and their community by getting the vaccine – and help us all get closer to normality as soon, and as safely, as possible.” 

Self-registration portal: www.nhsinform.scot/vaccineregistration

And a reminder about Surge Vaccination Clinics open this weekend:

Police Scotland: Stay safe on the road during school holidays

Happy School Holidays to all the pupils and teachers! 

Whether you’re plotting your stops for the North Coast 500 or working out a driving route for an island hopping adventure, make sure you’re planning a safe staycation.

Roads may be busier than usual with more road users who are unfamiliar with the area:

🔹 Plan extra time for your journey
🔹 Pay attention to speed limits & other road users
🔹 Follow local COVID-19 restrictions

Read more ➡️http://ow.ly/Tcg450FihHK

Commemorative coin marking Prince Philip’s ‘life well lived’ revealed for the first time

  • Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveils new coin commemorating the Duke of Edinburgh
  • Chancellor unveils new £5 coin commemorating the life of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
  • Coin presented on Armed Forces Day 2021, recognising the Duke’s years of naval service and support for Her Majesty The Queen.
  • Design features original portrait of the Duke and will be struck by the Royal Mint.


A new coin to commemorate the life of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has been unveiled by the Chancellor today.

The special edition £5 coin features an original portrait of The Duke to celebrate his remarkable life. The coin’s design was approved by The Duke before his death in April this year and is being launched on Armed Forces Day 2021.

The Royal Mint will also make a £50,000 donation to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to support its important community work in the UK and internationally.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This coin is a fitting tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh, who moved and inspired so many people around the world with his decades of service both to the nation and Her Majesty The Queen.

“I’m proud to unveil the coin on Armed Forces Day, considering his distinguished naval career and unwavering dedication to our Monarch and to his Royal duties, and it is only right that he and the Queen are depicted together on both sides of it.”

Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive of The Royal Mint, said: “Since the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh in April, many have commented that he led a life well lived. He was the longest serving consort in British history, and patron or president to over 750 organisations – including The Royal Mint Advisory Committee.

“The Royal Mint has marked significant Royal events for centuries and is honoured to unveil an original new coin which celebrates the life and legacy of a remarkable man. It feels fitting that this coin – which was personally approved by the Prince – will also support the work of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. The Awards have benefited millions of young people since they were formed in 1956, and are perhaps Prince Philip’s greatest legacy.”

Ruth Marvel, CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards said: “This wonderful tribute will help us build on The Duke of Edinburgh’s legacy so more young people can start their DofE Award journey and develop the skills, resilience and self-belief they will need to successfully navigate the challenges of adult life.”

The coin will be available from the Royal Mint website today, as well as post offices around the United Kingdom and special stockists across the Commonwealth and worldwide.

The design was personally approved by The Duke of Edinburgh in 2008 and drawn by the acclaimed artist Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest serving consort in British history, and for decades provided steadfast support to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family.

Scottish Government launches Short Term Lets consultation

Balancing neighbourhood needs with tourism interests

Consultation on the details of a licensing scheme for short term lets will take place over seven weeks this summer.

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison has announced the publication of a draft licensing order for consultation, ahead of laying the final legislation at the Scottish Parliament in September.

Stakeholders will now have until 13 August to comment on the licensing order and the draft business and regulatory impact assessment.

Draft guidance documents have also been published to explain how the legislation would work in practice.

Ms Robison said: “Regulation of short term lets is vital if we are to balance the needs and concerns of our communities with wider economic and tourism interests. 

“Short-term lets can offer people a flexible and cheaper travel option and have contributed positively to our tourism industry and local economies across the country. 

“However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers of short-term lets can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for people to find homes to live in.

“By allowing local authorities appropriate regulatory powers through a licensing scheme, we can ensure that short term lets are safe and address issues faced by local residents and communities.

“It will allow local authorities to understand more fully what is happening in their areas and assist with the effective handling of complaints.”

Under the proposed legislation, local authorities will have until 1 October 2022 to establish a licensing scheme, with all short-term lets to be licensed by 1 April 2024. Existing hosts and operators must apply for a licence by 1 April 2023.

The Scottish Government previously withdrew the Licensing Order from the Scottish Parliament in February. This was to allow for draft guidance to be developed with input from the stakeholder working group.

Ms Robison added: “We want to get this legislation absolutely right. A stakeholder working group was established earlier this year to develop guidance on the licensing scheme that was clear, comprehensive and easy to understand. 

“As part of this, the Scottish Government also set out to allay any unfounded concerns and actively explore solutions to any real issues, with a view to making any necessary adjustments to the Licensing Order.

“Stakeholder working group members have helpfully made a range of suggestions for adjustments to the Licensing Order, as well as providing very significant contributions to drafting the guidance.” 

The consultation runs until Friday 13 August 2021.

The consultation paper on draft licensing legislation for short-term lets in Scotland and supporting documents can be found here: gov.scot/publications/short-term-lets/.